In a shocking revelation Gujarat State’s Consul, appearing before Nanavati-Mehta Commission probing Godhra train fire and post-Godhra anti-Muslim riots, has claimed that many relevant records and documents pertaining to those troubled times were destroyed in 2007 itself. He used the fig leaf of standard procedure of destroying records after five years. It is unfortunate that this was done in spite of the fact that the records were very much needed in pending cases. It is not only highly improper but also tremendously criminal. How can a government or its agencies destroy relevant records of a series of events which are still under investigation of several lower courts, Gujarat High Court and even Supreme Court of the land?
Justice should be done and must appear to be being done and citizens should be able to see it in broad daylight.
It is relevant to remember that Mr. Sanjiv Bhatt, IPS, has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court claiming that Chief Minister Narendra Modi had told a meeting of high ranking State officials on the eventful night of 27th February 2001 that the police should go soft on Hindus so that they might vent their anger on Muslims who were accused of being responsible for burning kar sevaks in Sabarmati Express in Godhra. Mr. Bhatt was then Deputy Commissioner in Gujarat Intelligence Bureau and has revealed that he was present in the said meeting in which Modi had shown the green flag for the shameful events. His claims are being disputed by Gujarat government by asserting that Mr. Bhatt was not present in the meeting.
It is an open fact who was behind the infamous massacre, who was fiddling when Gujarat was burning and who has been shielding the culprits. The criminal cases which are being adjudicated, of course after long delays, are one after another proving the complicity of not only politicians belonging to a rabidly communal and anti-Muslim political party but also of police and government officials.
It is high time the Supreme Court positively intervened and ordered a probe about the reported destruction of relevant records which may cause permanent derailment of justice.
Justice is the cornerstone of a civilized society. Crimes must be probed honestly and criminals of every hue and colour must be brought to book however highly placed they may be. If Narendra Modi was responsible for flagging the massacre or for dereliction of duty he must get his due. This is a must for upholding rule of law and saving the honour and reputation of India and also to protect the confidence the common man has in our judicial system. If we fail in this, we would not be in a position to call ourselves members of a civilized society.