This refers to the affidavit filed by senior Gujarat police officer Sanjiv Rajendra Bhatt in the Supreme Court saying Chief Minister Narendra Modi asked top police officials to let Hindus vent their anger against Muslims following the Godhra train burning incident in 2002. What is even more disturbing is the alleged treatment meted out by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to witnesses like K.D. Panth and Tarachand Yadav, the police driver who drove Mr. Bhat to Mr. Modi's residence in February 2002.
If the allegations are true, they raise a very serious question about the SIT's credibility and impartiality. One hopes the court will direct the SIT to respond to Mr. Bhatt's allegations so that the nation will know the truth about the larger conspiracy, if any, behind the post-Godhra riots.
S.K. Choudhury,
Bangalore
Mr. Bhatt's affidavit is a major setback to Mr. Modi. It is impossible to imagine that a Chief Minister can ask his police officials to act against one section of people he is expected to protect. If Mr. Bhatt's contention is true, how can people ever trust their leaders again? Those praising Mr. Modi for his governance and development initiatives should understand development does not make any difference to those still living in fear.
Md. Mujeeb ur Rahman,
Malappuram
The police officer's affidavit is the first eyewitness account of that controversial February 27, 2002 meeting and it is really shocking. Mr. Bhatt should have disclosed this to the court long ago, without waiting for a “binding legal obligation.” If Mr. Modi had indeed told the police to let the rioters “teach a lesson to Muslims,” action should be taken against him. Pending investigation, Mr. Modi should step down.
Sravana Ramachandran,
Chennai
Mr. Modi may be god to many Gujaratis. He may even be an efficient and honest Chief Minister but that should not stand in the way of taking action against him if he had a direct role to play in the 2002 pogrom.
Raj Sethu,
Coimbatore
Some time ago, Mr. Modi was paid rich encomiums by many for governance. He was hailed as the best leader of our times. Today, he is being torn to pieces, following an affidavit filed by a police officer.
While nothing is done for the development of the aam aadmi , his attention is diverted from time to time by a series of such episodes.
Vathsala Jayaraman,
Chennai
