deepda darwaza massacre judgement

// 1 //

Sessions Case Nos.180/2002, 28/2004, 77/2005, 143/2008 & 56/2009.

SessionsCaseNo.180/2002 Filedon RegisteredonDecided on Duration 12/08/2002 12/08/2002 30/07/2012 Years-Months-Days 09----11----18

SessionsCaseNo.28/2004 Filedon RegisteredonDecided on Duration 03/01/2004 03/01/2004 30/07/2012 Years-Months-Days 08----06-----27



// 2 //



COMMONJUDGEMENTPassedin SessionsCaseNos.180/2002 28/2004,77/2005,143/2008&56/2009 INTHECOURTOFSESSIONSJUDGEAt:Mahesana. DESIGNATEDCOURTFOR VISNAGARPOLICESTATIONI.CR.NO.60/2002 [CORAM:KUM.S.C.SRIVASTAVA,ESQUIRE]Exh.No.:1386 Complainant : THESTATEOFGUJARAT ::VERSUS:: Accused :

// 3 //


Sr. No.

NameofAccused

Age

Address

U.T.P./ OnBail/ Expired

SESSIONSCASENO.180/20021 PatelVishnukumarShivrambhai 16 KalkaMataPara, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. Ganji, GanpatiSheri, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar.OnBail/ Juvenile

2

PatelBipinkumarBabubhai

23

OnBail

3

PatelBhikhabhaiNarayandas

21

OnBail

4

PatelVipulkumarNaranbhai

21

OnBail

5

PatelRajeshkumarRanchhoddas 27

OnBail

6

PatelChimanlalKacharabhai

47

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

7 8

PatelDhirubhaiBhikhabhai PatelParimal@JethoBabulal

30 19

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. 7B,Arbudanagar Society,M.N. CollegeRoad, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. VankarVas, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar OnBail

9

PatelJayeshkumar@Bhuriyo Dahyalal

28

10

PatelChandubhaiKuberdas

35

OnBail

11

ParmarAshokkumar@Senting Shankarlal

33

OnBail

// 4 //


Sr. No. 12

NameofAccused

Age

Address


PatelBharatkumar@Pado Narayanbhai PatelRakeshkumar@Rako AkhadiyanDahyalal

28

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, VachaliOle, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, Para, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

13

30

14

PatelSatishkumar@Marshal Shantilal

25

OnBail

15

PatelRanjitkumar@Lalo Rambhai PatelVijaykumar@Bhano Chandrakantbhai PatelRagneshkumar@Lalo Kantilal PatelNikeshkumr@Niko Kacharabhai PatelAnandkumar@Bako Bhogilal PatelJayeshkumarBabulal

33

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. NearMaleriaOffice DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

16

35

17

25

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar.

18

24

19

23

20

23

21

PatelHirenkumar@LaloBabulal 25

22

PatelJayeshkumarKantilal

23

// 5 //


Sr. No. 23

NameofAccused

Age

Address

U.T.P./ OnBail/ Expired OnBail

PatelNitinkumar@Salman Vishnubhai PatelNileshkumarVishnubhai

28

KotvaliSheri, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. Para, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar.

24

25

OnBail

25

PatelYogeshkumar@Choksi@ LuckyChimanlal PatelNikeshkumarDahyalal

32

OnBail

26

25

OnBail

27

PatelDevanshukumar@Kako Babulal PatelShaileshkumar Shivrambhai PatelHemandrakumar Alkeshbhai PatelPravinbhaiDahyabhai

20

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. PaheliSheri,Para, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. PaheliSheri,Para, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

28

32

29

20

OnBail

30

25

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. Opp.Aashapura Temple,Dipra Darwaja,Visnagar OnBail

31

PatelSanjaykumarChimanlal Choksi PatelBhavinkumar@Bapu Amrutlal

20

32

33

OnBail

33

PatelKaushalkumarRameshbhai 20

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. Nr.MahakaliDairy, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

34

PatelTarunkumar@Lalo Gunvantlal

28

// 6 //


Sr. No. 35

NameofAccused

Age

Address


PatelRohitkumarShantilal

32

BethakNoMadh, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar.

36

PatelSureshkumarJethalal

38

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. UbhiSheri, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

37

PatelViralkumar@Badshah Natvarlal PatelRohitkumar@Madho Shankarlal PatelMiteshkumar@Mel Narandas PatelAshokkumar@Khataro Gokaldas PatelNitinkumarDahyalal

25

38

33

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. Para, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. ShamalSheri, DarbarRoad, Visnagar. Para,Outside KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

39

25

40

24

41

28

42

PatelJitendrakumar HasmukhabhaiAsobiya PatelAmrutlalNanalal

20

43

44

OnBail

44

PatelDasharathkumarShivabhai 27

OnBail

45

PatelAmrutbhaiLilachand

62

OnBail

46

PatelYogeshkumarVitthalbhai

30

OnBail

// 7 //


Sr. No. 47

NameofAccused

Age

Address


PatelSurendrakumar@Madho Babulal

21

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. KotvaliSheri,Para, OutsideKada Darwaja,Visnagar. OnBail

48

PatelAlkeshkumarSankalchand 39

49

PatelVijaykumarBhogilal

32

43,Karshannagar OnBail Society,Dipra Darwaja,Visnagar RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar.

50

PatelJitubhaiBharatbhai

32

SESSIONSCASENO.28/2004Sr. No. 51 52 NameofAccused Age Address U.T.P./ OnBail/ Expired OnBail OnBail

PatelDahyabhaiParshottamdas PatelBharatbhaiIshwarbhai

57 62

DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. Ishvarkrupa Society, Visnagar. DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. OutSideKada Darwaja, Visnagar.

53 54 55

PatelRameshkumarMadhavlal

49

OnBail OnBail OnBail

PatelJitendrakumar@Jitubhai 52 Shivrambhai@Shivabhai PatelParshottambhaiJoitaram 54

56

PatelDahyabhaiMadhavlal

51

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

57

PatelSankalchandKacharabhai

69

// 8 //


Sr. No. 58

NameofAccused

Age

Address


PatelHasmukhbhaiSankalchand 41

KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. Nr.Aashapura Temple, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar.

59

PatelAmrutbhaiMadhavlal

60

OnBail

60

PatelBabubhaiParshottamdas

53

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. 21,Karshannagar Society, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. ModasiChopata, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail OnBail

61 62

PatelNikeshkumarJitendrabhai 28 @Jitubhai PatelMahendrakumar@Mukari 50 Madhavlal PatelMunnabhaiShantilal 29

63

OnBail

64

PatelKamleshkumar Ranchhodbhai PatelJigeshkumar@Jago Kantilal

22

OnBail

65

29

OnBail

66

PatelHareshkumarNarottamdas 36

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. BhesiyaPole, Visnagar. OnBail

67 68

PatelSatishkumarParshottadas (StampVendor) PatelPankajkumarKantilal

42 31

IndrapuriSociety, OnBail Opp.MaheshPetrol Pump,Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

69

PatelChamanlal@Choksi Ramchanddas

62

// 9 //


Sr. No. 70

NameofAccused

Age

Address


PatelManilalBajidas

60

Opp.JainDerasar, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. MiyaVas, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. Para, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar.

71

PatelGeetaben W/o.BabulalIshwarlal PatelMadhuben W/o.AjitkumarAmrutlal PatelManjulaben W/o.RameshbhaiMadhavlal

30

OnBail

72

26

OnBail

73

46

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar.

SESSIONSCASENO.77/2005Sr. No. 74 NameofAccused Age Address U.T.P./ OnBail/ ExpiredDied duringthe pendency ofTrial

PatelDahyabhaiNanalal

48

KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. 7,JayJalaram Society,Nr.Ambar Cinema,Visnagar. ShravanSheri, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar.

75

PatelYogeshkumarBabulal Kacharabhai PatelGandabhaiMadhavlal Gokaldas

42

OnBail

76 77

32

OnBail OnBail

PatelNarendrabhai@Kanjibhai 31 Ramaniklal@Ramanbhai PatelBabubhaiIshwarbhai 40

78

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. KhajuriMaholla, KadaDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

79

PatelRamanbhaiGirdharbhai

47

// 10 //


SESSIONSCASENO.143/2008Sr. No. 80 NameofAccused Age Address U.T.P./ OnBail/ Expired

PatelVishnubhaiIshwarbhai

40

RandalMataMadh, OnBail DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. Opp.Karshannagar OnBail Society,KadaRoad, Visnagar. BethakNoMadh, DipraDarwaja, Visnagar. OnBail

81

PatelAmitbhaiRamabhai

25

82

PatelDipakkumarGangaram

37

SESSIONSCASENO.56/2009Sr. No. 83 NameofAccused Age Address U.T.P./ OnBail/ Expired OnBail

PatelManubhaiKarshanbhai

62

5,TripadaSociety, Kalikund, Dholka.

Following accused are joined as Accused Nos.84 and 85 in pursuance of order passed below Exh.656, preferred under Section 319 of Criminal Procedure Code in Sessions Case No.180/2002.84 PatelPrahladbhaiMohanbhai Gosa 54 TownHall, VijayPara, Visnagar. A/41,Tirupati Township, DharoiColony Road,Visnagar OnBail

85

PatelDahyabhaiTribhovandas

60

OnBail

// 11 //


ShriM.K.Brahmbhatt LearnedSpecialProsecutorAppearingonbehalf oftheprosecution ShriS.G.Thakur ShriAyazK.Shaikh LearnedAdditionalProsecutorAppearingon behalfoftheprosecution LearnedAdvocate,appearingonbehalfof Originalcomplainant.

ShriG.N.Brahmbhatt Learnedadvocateappearingonbehalfof accusedNo.1to82andaccusedNo.84. ShriB.G.Patel ShriC.K.Shah Learnedadvocateappearingonbehalfofthe accusedNo.83. Learnedadvocateappearingonbehalfofthe accusedNo.85.

CHARGEAGAINSTACCUSEDNOS.1TO85: OffenceunderSection143,147,148ofI.P.C. OffenceunderSection302,readwith149ofI.P.C. OffenceunderSection201readwith149ofI.P.C OffenceunderSection307readwith149ofI.P.C. OffenceunderSection337readwith149ofI.P.C. OffenceunderSection427,436readwith149ofI.P.C. OffenceunderSection504,506(2)readwith149ofI.P.C. OffenceunderSection120BofI.P.C. OffenceunderSection188ofI.P.C.&135(1)ofB.P.Act.

OVER & ABOVE CHARGES, ADDITIONAL CHARGE AGAINSTACCUSEDNO.83:

// 12 //


OffenceunderSection217,218and222ofI.P.C.

OVER & ABOVE CHARGES, ADDITIONAL CHARGE AGAINSTACCUSEDNOS.84&85: OffenceunderSection182,186,187ofI.P.C.readwith Section114,117ofI.P.C.

COMMONJUDGEMENT[1] SessionsCaseNo.180/2002,28/2004,77/2005,143/2008 and 56/2009 arise out of one incident bearing I.CR.No.60/2002 of Visnagar Police Station of Mahesana DistrictcommittedbeforethisCourtfortrial.Itappeared desirable to try all the above five Sessions Cases all together therefore, all the five cases were ordered to be consolidated and tried together as per order dated 03.07.2009andtherefore,alltheproceedingsareorderedto becarriedin SessionsCaseNo.180/2002beingthemain Sessions. [2] Theshortfactsgivingrisetotheprosecution'scaseareas under: CondemningtheGodhraRailwayCarnageincidenta Bandhwascalledon28.02.2002intheStateofGujarat.In thelateeveningonthatday,amobofaround200peopleof

// 13 //


Patel Community formed an unlawful assembly carrying, deadly weapons viz. Swords, iron pipes etc. attacked the housesofMuslimfamiliesintheareaofChudivas,Dipra Darwaja of Visnagar Town of Mahesana District. In the attack 21 houses were burnt down to cinders and 11 persons were killed. On receiving information of the incidentpoliceofficialsincludingtheS.P.,Dy.S.P.andP.I. rushedtothespotalongwithsubordinatestaff.ThePolice lobbed8teargasshells,alsofired15roundsanddispersed the violent mob. Seven persons of the mob were apprehendedbythepoliceonthespotwithweapons.Police rescuedtheMuslimsfamiliesandshiftedthemtothePolice Station, which is situated Km. away from the place of incident.TherescuedMuslimfamilieswereshiftedtothe safe locality of their relatives and injured persons were shiftedtothelocalCivilHospitalinthepolicevehicle.The complainant remained at the police station and his complaintwasregisteredat22.15Hours. Actuallytheplaceofoffenceiscalledandmentioned everywhereintherecordofthiscaseasDipdaDarwaja but in fact as per Government record it is described as DIPRA DARWAJA and therefore, I will described the placeofoffenceasDipraDarwajathoughitiseverywhere mentionedbyprosecutionaswellasaccusedsideasDipda Darwaja.

// 14 //


TheF.I.R.waslodgedbytheComplainantbeforePolice Inspector M.K.Patel, in Visnagar Police Station. The complainantnamednineaccusedinhisF.I.R.inclusiveof7 accused apprehended from the place of incident. The investigation was taken up by the Police Inspector M.K.Patel,whowasinchargeofthePoliceStation,followed by Police Inspector Shri H.B.Rajput and Shri D.S.Asari respectivelyonthetransferoftheformer.ShriB.V.Jadeja, Dy. S.P. Visnagar Division (at present retired) was the Visitation Officer in this case, who supervised the investigation. On01.03.2002,Panchnamawasdrawnoftheplaceof offenceasshownbythecomplainantinwhichdamagedone by the mob to the houses and vehicles belonging to the Muslim families were described. The I.O. recorded the statements of the witnesses and gathered information about 11 Muslim persons either missing or killed. Seven accusedarrestedweresenttojudicialcustody. On 06.03.2002 again Panchnama of the place of offence in the presence of F.S.L., Finger Print Expert, SupervisoryPoliceOfficer,ExecutiveMagistrate,victimcum witness Saiyed Nazirmiya Kalumiya and Panch witnesses wasdrawn.Inthepresenceoftheaboveofficersandwith thehelpofsweepersfromlocalmunicipality,thedebrisof the houses were removed and various burnt items viz.

// 15 //


Charredbones,burntclothes,flesh,ornamentsandother articles including blood stains etc. were found out. From these burnt remains, 5 of the missing Muslims were identified by the witness Nazirmiya in the presence of panchwitnesses.Necessarysampleswerepickedupwith thehelpofF.S.L.Officer. On07.03.2002againdetailedsearchwasdone,atthe place of offence, with the help of Sweepers from local municipality.On09.03.2002ananonymousphonecallto the PoliceStationinformedthepoliceaboutdeadbodies, lyinginburntconditionnearMalavTalav.I.O.,Supervisory OfficerandF.S.L.OfficervisitedMalavlake,whereremains ofcharredbonesofhumandeadbodiesinburntandsemi burnt condition were found near the lake. The witness Yusufkhan Muradkhan identified remaining 6 of the missing Muslims on the basis of these remains. The detailedPanchnamaofthiseventwasdrawnbytheI.O.in thepresenceofthepanchwitnessesandnecessarysamples werealsopickedupwiththehelpofF.S.L.Officer. Thus,identificationofallthedeceasedwasdonefrom the remains as well as articles of the deceased viz. Ornamentsandburntpiecesofthebodiesbytherelatives ofthedeceased,duringtwodifferentPanchnamaprepared on 06.03.2002 and 09.03.2002. Since bodies of the deceased persons were not recovered but only charred

// 16 //


pieces of flesh and bones were recovered, no P.M. was performed.Section302,201and120BofI.P.C.wasadded during the investigation by the I.O. Total number of 153 witnesses inclusive of eyewitnesses, police witnesses, Government witnesses and peripheral witnesses were examinedbyI.O. During the investigation, names of 81 accused were disclosed by the complainant and the witnesses. One of them was named by mistake because no person of such namewasinexistenceinVisnagartown.Anotheronewas the same person named twice by alias name and thus duringtheearlierinvestigationonly79accusedinfactwere arrestedandchargesheetedinthreechargesheets.Noneof theaccusedremainedabsconding.Sevenaccusedthatwere named in the F.I.R. werereleased on bail by the Hon'ble HighCourtofGujaratandremainingaccusedwerebailed outbytheSessionsCourt,Mahesana,fromtimetotime.No appealwasfiledbyanyI.O.againstthebailorders.Misc. Criminal Application Nos.4518/2002, 4520/2002, 3807/2004(withNos.9580/2004and9785/2004)filedby the Complainant in the Hon'ble High Court of Gujarat, againstthegrantofbailwererejectedbytheHon'bleCourt. The Complainant approached the Hon'ble Apex Court of India by filing Criminal Appeal Nos.423/2004 and 424/2004whereintheorderoftheHon'bleHighCourtwas quashed and the matter was referred back for

// 17 //


reconsideration,butwasrejectedbytheHon'bleHighCourt afterreconsideration. The I.O. collectedvarioussamplesfrom theplaceof offenceandMalavTalav.Alsocollectedbloodsamplesofthe relativesofthedeceasedwerecollected(forDNATest)and weapons were seized from the accused arrested from the spot as well as from accused, who surrendered before Police. Nine F.S.L. Reports were received. DNA Report of charredbonesandfleshsuggestthat,AsExh.C&Exh.N stated were completely charred, DNA could not be extractedfromtheseexhibits.SeverelydegradedDNAwas extractedfromExhibitE.TheDNAextractedfromexhibitE couldnotbeamplifiedbyPCRduetoseveredegradation. Therefore, no STR pattern was obtained from these samples.AsnoSTRpatternwasobtainedfromExhibitC, noconclusioncouldbemadeonitscomparisonwiththose of control blood samples exhibits 1, 2,3 and 4 of Case No.02/DNA/34. On the basis of Chargesheet, submitted on 23.05.2002, charges were framed against 50 accused personsandtrialwasstartedand52witnesseshadbeen examinedbytheFastTrackCourt,Mahesana.Butduring thependencyoftrial,conductedbytheFastTrackCourt, Mahesana,StayorderwaspassedbytheHon'bleSupreme Court of India in SLP (Cri.) No.4409/2003 and WP (Crl.)

// 18 //


No.216/2003 both tagged with Writ Petition (Crl.) No.109/2003on19.12.2003. Various petitions were filed by petitioner Yusufkhan Muradkhan Pathan, being the victim and eyewitness, in theHon'bleHighCourtofGujaratandbeforetheHon'ble SupremeCourtofIndia,inconnectionwiththeseoffences viz. Special Civil Application No.700/2002 in the Hon'ble High Court of Gujarat, SLP (Crl.) No.4409/2003 and WP (Crl.)No.216/2003intheHon'bleSupremeCourtofIndia. TheNationalHumanRightsCommissionalsofiledpetition beforetheHon'bleSupremeCourtofIndia,invariouscases ofpostGodhraCarnageinGujarat.InWP(Crl.)No.109/03 andTPNo.194,202,326320of2003,theHon'bleSupreme CourtofIndiahaspassedorderon26.03.2008forforming ofSpecialInvestigationTeam(S.I.T.)fortheinvestigationof nineimportantcasesofpostGodhraCarnage,inclusiveof thiscase. [3] InpursuanceoftheorderoftheHon'bleSupremeCourtof India, the Special Investigation Team has taken over the further investigation of this case u/s.173(8) of Cr.P.C. on 11.04.2008 and Shri G.V.Barot, Assistant Director, Anti CorruptionBureau,wasappointedasInvestigationOfficer of the present case with 3 team members and further investigation was carried out accordingly. During the investigation by S.I.T. an advertisement was published in

// 19 //


leadingdailynewspapersofGujaratState,invitingpeople tocontactS.I.T.inperson,orthroughwrittenapplicationto give any relevant information or evidence in connection withthecaseundertheinvestigationbyS.I.T.asaresultof which,applicationsinthiscasewerealsoreceivedbythe S.I.T.DuringtheirInvestigation,FurtherStatementsof67 witnesses, including complainant, petitioner and eye witnesses,havebeenrecordedbyS.I.T.S.I.T.hasrecorded fresh statements of 42 new witnesses, which includes 9 eyewitnesses, 11 Police Personnels, 3 Government Servantsand19Peripheralwitnesses. [4] Further, place of incident was visited by S.I.T. with the complainantandpetitionertostudythesceneofincident and surrounding geographical situation and fresh sketch hasbeenpreparedwiththehelpofpresentRevenueCircle InspectorofVisnagar.Further,somephotographsarealso takenbytheS.I.T.andduringtheirinvestigation,3persons are named by the witnesses as accused and S.I.T. has arrestedaccusedNo.1to3ofSessionsCaseNo.143/2008, on 06.06.2008. They were remanded to police custody subsequently, sent to judicial custody on 11.06.2008 and subsequently enlarged on bail by the Sessions Court, Mahesana and supplementary Chargesheet is filed on 01.09.2008andallthecaseshavebeencommittedtothe SessionsCourtfortrial.Thus,totalnumberoftheaccused beforetheSessionsCourtwere82underallthefourCases.

// 20 //


ShriP.R.AgrawalwasappointedasSpecialProsecutorwhile Ms.HansabenK. JainwasappointedasAssistant Public Prosecutor. Subsequently,duringthecourseoftrial,Shri P.R.Agrawal as well as Ms.Hansaben K. Jain replaced by appointingShriM.K.BrahmbhattandShriS.G.Thakur,as Special Prosecutor and Additional Public Prosecutor to conduct the trial of this case, by the Government of Gujarat. [5] The charge against the accused Nos.1 to 50 of Sessions Case No.180/2002 was initially framed by my learned predecessor AdditionalSessionsJudge,FastTrackCourt, Mahesana Smt.S.V.Shah on 30.08.2002 vide Exh.5. Duringthependencyofthesaidcase,thetrialwasstayed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. Subsequently, Hon'bleSupremeCourtofIndiahaspassedanorderdated 01.05.2009 in Writ Petition (Criminal) No.109/2003 directing the Special Investigation Team (S.I.T.) to make further investigation and to submit the Supplementary Chargesheet and the stay from the trial was vacated. In pursuance of said order the trial was to be further conducted and in pursuance of said directions of the Hon'bleSupreme CourtofIndia,theInvestigating Agency has submitted Supplementary Chargesheets, which are numbered as Sessions Case Nos.28/2004, 77/2005, 143/2008and56/2009andChargeagainstaccusedNos.1 to50ofSessionsCaseNo.180/2002,accusedNos.1to23of

// 21 //


SessionsCaseNo.28/2004,accusedNos.1to6ofSessions Case No.77/2005, accused Nos.1 to 3 of Sessions Case No.143/2008 and accused of Sessions Case No.56/2009 hasbeenframedvideExh.391againon14.07.2009,bythe then Principal Sessions Judge, Mahesana Mr.B.N.Karia and in the Charge framed at Exh.391 all the accused persons were given continuous number and therefore, henceforth accused Nos.1 to 23 of Sessions Case No.28/2004 are considered as accused Nos.51 to 73, accused Nos.1 to 6 of Sessions Case No.28/2004 are consideredasaccusedNos.74to79,accusedNos.1to3of Sessions Case No.143/2008 are considered as accused Nos.80to82andaccusedofSessionsCaseNo.56/2009is considered as accused No.83 in this Judgement for convenienceandbrevity.Duringthependencyofsaidcase, the original complainant Baloch Mahmad Iqbal Ahmedkhan has submitted one application at Exh.656, under Section 319 of Criminal Procedure Code to join PrahladbhaiMohanbhaiGosaandDahyabhaiTribhovandas Patel, as accused and by passing reasoned order, my learnedpredecessorPrincipalSessionsJudge,Mahesana Mr.B.N.Karia has ordered to join both these persons as accused and therefore, Prahladbhai Mohanbhai Gosa is joinedasaccusedNo.84andPatelDahyabhaiTribhovandas is joined as an accused No.85 and charge against both theseaccusedwasframedbythisCourton07.09.2010.

// 22 //


[6]

TheaccusedNos.1to83arechargedinthiscaseu/s.147, 148,149ofI.P.C.,u/s.302,149,120(B)ofI.P.C.,u/s.201, 149,120(B)ofI.P.C.,u/s.307,149,120(B)ofI.P.C.,u/s.337, 149, 120(B) of I.P.C., u/s.427, 436, 149, 120(B) of I.P.C., u/s.504,506(2),149,120(B)ofI.P.C.,u/s.188ofI.P.C.& 135(1)ofB.P.Act.,u/s.217,218,22ofI.P.C.,u/s.120(B),147, 148,149,302,307,436,427,337,504,506(2),201,188of I.P.C.&135(1)ofB.P.Act,readwithSection114ofI.P.C.for formingunlawfulassembly,committingriotingarmedwith deadly weapons like iron pipes, sticks, swords etc. and voluntarily causing grievous hurt in furtherance of commonobjectofunlawfulassemblyorinfurtheranceof theircommonintentioninVisnagaron28.02.2002,during 16.30Hoursto20.30HourswhereasaccusedNos.84and 85arechargedfortheoffencepunishableu/s.182,186,187 readwithSec.114and117oftheI.P.C.forgivingsupportto accused Nos.1 to 82, in the capacity of President of VisnagarMunicipalityandM.L.A.,whilesettingonfirethe houseofAkbarmiyaKalumiya,situatedoutsidetheRandal MataMadhon28.02.2002during02.30P.M.to3.00P.M. and for pressurizing and utilizing influence on Police InspectorM.K.Patel,asaresultofwhichhewasnotina position to investigate the case independently while Accused No.83 is charged for being a public servant knowinglyfullywelldisobeyedthedirectionofthelawasto thewayinwhichheistoconducthimselfassuchpublic

// 23 //


servantintendingtherebytosave,orknowingittobelikely that he will thereby save, any person from legal punishment,orsubjecthimtoalesspunishmentthanthat to which he is liable has committed the crime in discharginghisdutiesasPoliceInspectorofVisnagarTown and First Information Report regarding said offence No. 60/2002 was lodged before the accused No.83 by the complainant Mahmad Iqbal Ahmedkhan Baloch and said offence was investigated by the accused No.83 Police Inspector and in the said investigation, he has shown criminal negligence and has intentionally not investigated thecrimesothatvictimsmaynotgetjusticeandbeingas suchpublic servant,chargedwiththepreparationofany recordorotherwriting,framesthatrecordorwritingina manner which he know to be incorrect, with intent to cause,orknowingittobelikelythathewilltherebycause, lossorinjurytothepublicortoanyperson,orwithintent hereby to save, or knowing it to be likely that he will therebysave,anypersonfromlegalpunishmentboundas public servant to apprehend or lawfully committed to custody, intentionally omits to apprehend such person therebycommittedcrimeundersection217,218and222of I.P.C. [7] Accused No.74 of Sessions Case No.77/2005 Patel DahyabhaiNanalaldiedandtherefore,theordertoabate thetrialagainsthimhasbeenpassed.Duringthecourseof

// 24 //


recordingofFurtherStatementoftheaccused,itcameto thenoticeoftheCourtthat,theaccusedNo.1ofSessions Case No.180/2002 Patel Vishnukumar Shivarambhai is juvenileandtherefore,ordervideExh.1154hasbeenpassed droppinghimfromframingofchargefromthepresentcase anditisorderedtosendhiscasetotheJuvenileJustice Board.Accordinglyalltheaboveaccusedarefacingtrialfor thevariousoffencesbeforethisCourt. [8] In the charge vide Exh. 5 and Exh. 391 accused are chargedundersection147,148,149ofI.P.C.,undersection 302,149,12(B)ofI.P.C.,undersection337, 149,12(B)of I.P.C., under section 147,136,149, 12(B) of I.P.C., under section504,506(2),149,12(B)ofI.P.C.,undersection188 ofI.P.C.,section135(1)ofB.P.Act,undersection217,218, 22ofI.P.C.,undersection12(B),147,148,149,302,307, 436,427,337,504,506(2),201,188ofI.P.C.and135(1)of BPAct.,readwithsectionof114ofI.P.C.Duetoresetting theChargenoprejudiceisgoingtobecausedtoanyparty as all of them are given sufficient opportunity during conducting the trialhenceIherebyresenttheChargeas under: AccusedNos.1to82hadassembledforcausing

hurt, formed an unlawful assembly for causing, grievous hurt, assault, burning and decoying the property of Chudivas Dipra Darwaja Muslims, on

// 25 //


thebasisofnationvideStrikeduetotheincidentof burning almost 100 Hindu pilgrims in Sabarmati Express Train at Godhra on 28.02.2002 at Dipra Darwaja,Chudivas,Visnagarandtherebycommitted offenceundersection143ofI.P.C.. AccusedNos.1to82hadassembledforcausing

hurt, formed an unlawful assembly for causing, grievous hurt, assault, on the same day and same place and were members of an unlawful of 200 personsinprosecutionofthecommonobjectofsuch assembly for overt act committed the offence of riotingandtherebytheyhavecommittedanoffence punishableunderSection147oftheI.P.C.. That,accusedNos.1to82onthesamedayand

sameplace,whereintheaccusedNos.2,7,15,32,33, 37, 38 and 39 armed with deadly weapon Dhariya, accused Nos.3 and 18 armed with deadly weapon IronPipe,accusedNos.4and12armedwithdeadly weaponStick,accusedNos.5,8,9,11,13,16,20,21, 22,23,24,25,27,34,35,41,43,44,45,46and47 armed with deadly weapon Sword, accused No.6 armedwithdeadlyweaponIronRod,accusedNo.19 armed with deadly weapon Trishul, accused No.30 armedwithdeadlyweaponAxe,accusedNos.40,49 and 50 armed with deadly weapon Short Spear,

// 26 //


accused Nos.10, 14,26, 28, 36,42 and 48 armed with deadlyweaponPlasticgallonweremembersof an unlawful assembly of 200300 persons and in prosecutionofthecommonobjectofsuchassembly, for overt act, committed the offence of rioting with deadly weapon and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 148 of the Indian Penal Code. OnthesamedayandsameplaceAccusedNos.1

to 82 formedan unlawfulassembly of 200persons and in prosecution of the common object of such assembly, for overt act of burning alive and murdering by intentionally causing the death of (1) PathanHusenabibiMuradkhan,Age:35Years, (2) Pathan Afsanabanu Yusufkhan,Age : 19 Years, (3) Khilji Munafkhan Jabirbhai, Age : 02 Years, (4) Pathan Zinnatbibi Muradkhan, Age : 65 Years, (5) PathanBanubibiYusufkhan,Age:46Years, (6) PathanAmaullakhanYusufkhan,Age:09Years,(7) PathanAttaullakhanYusufkhan,Age:04Years,(8) Pathan Yakubkhan Muradkhan, Age : 35 Years, (9) Pathan Asifkhan Yakubkhan, Age : 14 Years, (10) Pathan Abidkhan Yakubkhan, Age : 11 Years and (11)PathanSohanabibiJabirbhai,Age:25Yearsand thereby, committed the offence punishable under section302,readwithSection149oftheI.P.C..

// 27 //


OnthesamedayandsameplaceAccusedNos.1

to82formedanunlawfulassemblyof200persons, and in prosecution of the common object of such assembly and did an act of burning alive and assaulting Muslim women, men and children with such intention (or knowledge) and under such circumstances,thatifthesaidacthadcauseddeath, theaccusedwouldhavebeenguiltyofmurderunder Section 302, and thereby, committed the offence punishableunderSection307readwithSection149 oftheI.P.C. Moreover, all the accused persons have at the

sametime,dateandplace,accusedNos.1to82have withintentiontodisposeoftheevidencebydisposing dead bodies of thedeceasedpersons,broughtdead bodiestoMalavPond,situatedatthedistanceof2 Kms. from the Chudivas and set on fire and destroyed the evidence and helped each other and therebycommittedoffencepunishableundersection 201,readwithsection149oftheIndianPenalCode, withinthejurisdictionofthisCourt. Moreover, the accused Nos.1 to 82 have at the

same time, date and place while committing above mentioned offences, uttered unparliamentary words

// 28 //


with intention to instigate the women, men and childrenoftheminoritysothattheymaybreachthe peace and harmony and have threatened to cause murder and serious results by showing the deadly weaponsarmedbythemandhavehelpedeachother and thereby committed offence punishable under Section 504, 506(2) read with Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code, within the jurisdiction of this Court. Onthesamedayandsameplace,theAccused

Nos.1 to 82 formed an unlawful assembly of 200 persons andcommittedmischiefbythefire(or any inflammable substance) intending thereby to cause damagetothepropertyofMuslimPersonsalongwith thedestructionofHousesinChudivas,andthereby committedoffencepunishableundersection427,436 readwithSection149ofI.P.C. Onthesamedayandsameplace,theAccused

Nos.1 to 82 formed an unlawful assembly of 200 personshavecausedhurtandgrievoushurttothe witness so rashly (or negligently) as to endanger human life (or the personal safety of others) and therebycommittedoffencepunishableundersection 337readwithsection149oftheI.P.C.

// 29 //


Onthesamedayandsameplace,theAccused

Nos.1to82armedwithdeadlyweaponsknowingfully abouttheNotificationinexistence,issuedbyDistrict Magistrate and thereby committed offence under section135oftheB.P.Act. Onthesamedayandsameplace,theAccused

No.84and85voluntarilyobstructedShriM.K.Patel in discharging his public function and have also suppressedtheriotaffray,apprehendingthepersons chargedwithorguiltyofanoffence. Furtherbeing bond by law to render or furnish assistance to M.K.Patelinexecutionofhispublicdutyintentionally omittedtogivesuchassistanceandtherebyabetted theCrimeandknowingfullywellthatitislikelyto causeinjuryorannoyanceofanyperson,haveused theirpowersbeingpublicservantwithanintentionto cause injury totheperson and theproperty of the Muslim and thereby abated the crime and has committed offence under section 186, 187, 182 of I.P.C.readwithsection114,117ofI.P.C. Onthesamedayandsameplace,AccusedNos.1

to85hadagreedtocauseharmtothepersonand propertyoftheMuslimbyillegalactsandaccordingly set on fire properties of Muslim, pelted stones, caused injury to the person and properties of

// 30 //


MuslimsinChudivasandtherebycommittedcrimeof conspiracy and thereby committed offence under section120(B)ofI.P.C. Onthesamedayandsameplace,Accusedno.1

to 83 were fully aware about the commission of offence and by forming unlawful assembly of 200 persons,andinprosecutionofthecommonobjectof such assembly, they caused the evidence of commissionofoffencetodisappearwiththeintention ofscreeningtheoffenderfromlegalpunishmentand therebycommittedoffenceundersection201ofI.P.C. readwith149ofI.P.C.. On the sameday andsameplace,Accusedno.

83 being a public servant knowingly fully well disobeyed thedirectionofthelawastothewayin whichheistoconducthimselfassuchpublicservant intendingtherebytosave,orknowingittobelikely that he will thereby save, any person from legal punishment, or subject him to a less punishment than that to which he is liable has committed the crimeindischarginghisdutiesasPoliceInspectorof Visnagar Town and First Information Report regardingsaidoffenceNo.60/2002waslodgedbefore theaccusedNo.83bythecomplainantMahmadIqbal AhmedkhanBalochandsaidoffencewasinvestigated

// 31 //


bytheaccusedNo.83PoliceInspectorandinthesaid investigation,hehasshowncriminalnegligenceand has intentionally not investigated the crime so that victimsmaynotgetjusticeandbeingassuchpublic servant,chargedwiththepreparationofanyrecord or other writing,framesthat recordor writing in a mannerwhichheknowtobeincorrect,withintentto cause,orknowingittobelikelythathewillthereby cause,lossorinjurytothepublicortoanyperson, or with intent hereby to save, or knowing it to be likelythathewilltherebysave,anypersonfromlegal punishmentboundaspublicservanttoapprehendor lawfullycommittedtocustody,intentionallyomitsto apprehend such person thereby committed crime undersection217,218and222ofI.P.C. [9] Insupportoftheircaseprosecutionhasexaminedfollowing witnesses: ORALEVIDENCEOFMEDICALWITNESSES:P.W. No. NameoftheWitness Exh. No. P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

42 43 94 95

Dr.BhaveshVrajlalNayak Dr.BharatkumarBabubhaiSolanki Dr.NileshJayantibhaiDixit Dr.KiritbhaiDahyabhaiPatel

185 212 607 608

53 93 121

485 603 668

// 32 //


119 146

Dr.AbdulrahimmiyaUsmanAkhumji SulemanbhaiNoormahmadMansuri

664 771

ORALEVIDENCEOFINJUREDWITNESSES:P.W. No. NameoftheWitness Exh. No. P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

FatehkhanBadarkhanBaloch MahmadIqbalAhmedkhanBaloch GulabkhanaliasGulubhaiKayamkhan Sindhi AabidbhaiGulabkhanSindhi ZubedabibiMahebubkhanBaloch MahmadkhanBadarkhanBaloch AmzadkhanMahmadkhanBaloch ReshmabenSattarbhaiBaloch ReshmabibiAarifkhanKureshi RashidabibiSattarbhaiBaloch SugrabibiMahmadkhanBaloch AnvarhusenShabbirhusenPathan ShabbirkhanIbrahimkhan AhmedmiyaHasumiyaBelim ShermahmadDalubhaiSindhi MohmadHanifAhmedkhanBaloch HusenkhanBadarkhanBaloch AbdulkarimMahmadbhaiMansuri HanifabibiAbdulkarimMansuri HanifabibiShabbirbhaiPathan ShabbirmiyaHasumiyaBelim AarifkhanYakubkhanPathan MahmadhanifDalubhaiSindhi AnvarkhanBasirkhanBaloch

61 66 70 71 84 85 86 87 88 90 91 108 128 132 134 137 140 141 144 146 147 150 166

64 81 84 116 62 63 120 124 137 59 98 104 113 99 138 54 136 89 60 97

516 568 574 654 511 514 666 675 726 505 616 630 645 617 730 490 725 585 506 613

// 33 //


50 51 52 58 96 125 127 135 149 150 162 180 181

SaidabibiMahmadhanifSindhi AminabibiAhmedkhanBaloch FaridabanuAhmedkhanBaloch KarishmabanuYusufkhanPathan IbrahimkhanUmarkhanBaloch SabanabibiAnvarhusenPathan ImrankhanSabirhusenPathan BashirnbibiGulmahmadSindhi ArbazAnvarhusenPathan AslambhaiKadarbhai SohilMahmadHanif PathanShabnoorbanualiasSayanora Yakubkhan ShamimbanuAniskhanPathan

302 303 306 502 610 678 681 724 778 779 825 1345 1350

61 131

510 695

ORALEVIDENCEOFOTHERWITNESSES:P.W. No. NameoftheWitness Exh. No. P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

18 22 57 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76

SaiyedNazirmiyaKalumiya YusufkhanMuradkhanPathan BarkatbhaiAadambhaiMansuri SavitabenDahyalalPatel DahibenKantilalPatel MadhavlalRanchhoddasPatel NaranbhaiAmthabhaiPatel ChiragkumarSureshbhaiPatel KantibhaiShivrambhaiPatel ShantabenBhogilal NitabenJageshkumarPatel KantibhaiKacharabhaiPatel

103 112 497 533 534 535 536 541 542 543 544 550

129 133

689 699

// 34 //


77 78 79 80 85 86 87 88 101 102 108 109 110 111 152 154 160 163

BhikhibenBabulalPatel RevabenRanchhodbhaiPatel TarabenKacharabhaiPatel MangubenAmratbhaiPatel KantabenKantilalPatel ManibenBabulalPatel HasumatibenVinodkumarPatel TarabenKaushikkumar KapilabenNarayanbhaiPatel NitabenRohitkumarPatel SavitabenHareshbhaiPatel SushmabenJitendrakumarPatel KailasbenYogeshkumarPatel KapilabenBabubhai DahyabhaiMafatlalPatel JayantibhaiSankalchandbhaiPatel ChandrakantbhaiRamchanddasPatel AmrutbhaiShivrambhaiPatel

551 557 558 559 579 580 581 582 622 623 636 637 638 639 787 793 815 826

ORALEVIDENCEOFPANCHWITNESSES:P.W. No. NameoftheWitness Exh. No. P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

34 35 36 37 38 39

PatelVinubhaiGokaldas BabubhaiIshvarbhaiPatel AmratlalTribhovandasPatel NatvarbhaiBhagvandasPatel DineshkumarKantilalPatel VishnubhaiLilachandPatel

167 170 172 174 176 177

114 117 112 105 106 103 122 165

649 659 643 632 634 624 671 833

// 35 //


40 41 66 90 91 92 115 164 166 167 170

MahendrakumarRamabhaiPatel KirtikumarRamniklalDave ShankarlalMaganlalPatel MahmadIqbalGulamhusenValamiya ImranAbdulRasulMemon YunusbhaiAlibhaiMansuri RameshkumarMadhavlalPatel RajendrabhaiChhaganlalPatel GomtibenJayantilalPatel GandajiSomajiThakor AkbarkhanUmarkhanPathan

178 179 521 590 594 599 650 830 839 840 864

118 100 168

661 620 854

ORALEVIDENCEOFPHOTOGRAPHERWITNESSES:

P.W. No.

NameoftheWitness

Exh. No.

P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

172 177

NitinkumarChhotubhaiLimbachiya PriteshkumarGaneshbhaiPatel

869 1156

ORALEVIDENCEOFMUNICIPALITYWITNESSES:

P.W. No.

NameoftheWitness

Exh. No.

P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

14 15

PankajbhaiMangaldasParmar KantibhaiBalabhaiMakwana

99 100

107

635

// 36 //


16 17 19 20 55 56 132 176 178

ParshottambhaiPunjabhaiMakwana (Bhangi) RajubhaiMaganbhaiSolanki RajubhaiDahyabhaiBhangi BabubhaiSomabhaiBhangi VasantbhaiParshottambhaiMakwana HareshbhaiRanchhodbhaiMakwana NareshbhaiDashrathbhai SudhirbhaiHansrajKansara DolatjiGalbajiThakor

101 102 106 107 495 496 698 1019 1158

126 128

679 682

ORALEVIDENCEOFGOVERNMENTWITNESSES:P.W. No. NameoftheWitness Exh. No. P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

45 134 141 145 153 155 161 179

KamleshkumarJethabhaiRathod IshvarbhaiBababhaiChaudhari VirambhaiRamjibhaiDesai VirsangjiHirajiThakor BipinchandraMohanlalGohil KirtikumarVitthalbhaiPatel LaxmiprasadKantilalBarot PravinkumarChetanlalJani

219 722 736 768 788 794 823 1161

130 156

694 800

ORALEVIDENCEOFSCIENTIFICWITNESSE:P.W. No. NameoftheWitness Exh. No. P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

49

HasmukhlalThakorlalModi

232

142

743

// 37 //


ORALEVIDENCEOFPOLICEWITNESSES:P.W. No. NameoftheWitness Exh. No. P.W.No.&Exh. No.ofdeposition recordedformore thanonetime P.W.No. Exh.No.

12 13 44 46 47 48 65 83 144 147 148 151 157 158 159 171 173 174 175

BijendrasinhRampratapsinh RameshjiRajuji RameshchandraPopatlalSharma AnupamsinhJaysinhGehlot BachubhaVesaljiJadeja ManubhaiKarshanbhaiPatel MahendrasinhBhairavsinh DashrathsinhAmthaji AmrutbhaiBhikhabhaiBhimavat BabubhaiMansangbhaiChaudhari VirajiVarvajiThakor MahendrasinhLalsinhRathod VarvajiShankarjiChavada NazirMahmadSuleman MaheshkumarHiralalNayi RanjitsinhPituji HimmatsinhBhupatsinhRajput DoljibhaiSavjibhaiAsari GautamkumarVishnubhaiBarot

96 97 218 226 227 228 518 572 767 772 773 780 811 812 814 865 870 875 912

82 67 123 140 139 143 169

571 524 674 735 731 747 860

[10]

Insupportoftheircaseprosecutionhasproducedfollowing documentaryevidence:

// 38 //


Sr. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

Detailsofdocument Complaint,lodgedbyMahmadIqbalAhemadkhan Baloch,Dated28.02.2002 DeputeOrder PanchnamaoffiredcartridgesDated04.03.2002 AnalysisreportDated18.08.2002 SerologicalanalysisreportDated13.08.2002 Analysisreport,No.2002/B/168 SerologicalanalysisreportDated02.05.2002 AnalysisreportDated23.07.2002 AnalysisreportDated17.04.2002 Notificationregardingprohibitiontocarryarms

Exh. No. 67 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 82

Panchnamaplaceofincident,preparedbyF.S.L.Van 151 Dated06.03.2002 Panchnamaofplaceofburialofdeadbodies,drawn bytheF.S.L.VanDated09.03.2002 F.S.L.DispatchnoteDated20.05.2002 MuddamalReceiptDated21.05.2002 ForwardingletterDated23.08.2002 Dispatchnote,Dated10.03.2002 MuddamalReceiptDated13.03.2002 MuddamalReceiptDated13.03.2002 ForwardingletterDated07.06.2002 MuddamalReceiptDated21.05.2002 ForwardingletterDated23.07.2002 ForwardingletterDated18.04.2002 MapofplaceofincidentDated01.03.2002 Panchnamaofplaceofincident 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 164 168

PanchnamaofdeadlyweaponsproducedbyAccused, 171 Dated07.05.2002

// 39 //


Sr. No. 26. 27. 28 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43 44. 45. 46. 47. 48.

Detailsofdocument PanchnamaofdeadlyweaponproducedbyAccused Dated15.05.2002 PanchnamaofdeadlyweaponproducedbyAccused 06.05.2002 PanchnamaofArrestofaccusedfromtheplaceof incidentDated28.02.2002

Exh. No. 173 175 180

PanchnamaofplaceofincidentdrawnbyF.S.L.team 182 Dated07.03.2002 MedicalCertificateofHusenkhanBadarkhanBaloch MedicalCertificateofFatekhanBadarkhanBaloch MedicalCertificateofKarishmabibiYusufkhan Pathan MedicalCertificateofAslamkhanKadarkhanSindhi MedicalCertificateofSaidabibiMohamadaliSindhi MedicalCertificateofSohelMahmadSindhi MedicalCertificateofAmajadkhanMahmadkhan Baloch 186 187 188 189 191 192 193

MedicalCertificateofAminabibiJhangirkhanPathan 190

MedicalCertificateofFaridabenAhemadkhanBaloch 194 MedicalCertificateofAminabibiAhemadkhanBaloch 195 MedicalCertificateofAnvarhusenSabirhusenPathan 196 MedicalCertificateofSabanabibiAnvarhusenPathan197 MedicalCertificateofAnvarkhanBasarkhanBaloch MedicalCertificateofArbazAnvarkhanBaloch MedicalCertificateofHanifabibiSabirhusenBaloch MedicalCertificateofSugarabibiMahmadkhan Baloch MedicalCertificateofImrankhanSabirhusenBaloch 198 200 201 202 MedicalCertificateofShermahmadDalukhanSindhi 199

MedicalCertificateofAarifkhanYunushkhanPathan 203 204

// 40 //


Sr. No. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74.

Detailsofdocument

Exh. No. 206 208 209 210

MedicalCertificateofReshmabanuSattarkhanBaloch 205 MedicalCertificateofRasidaSattarkhanBaloch ReportofF.S.LDated06.03.2002 ReportofF.S.LDated09.03.2002 LettersentbythePoliceAuthoritytotheJ.M.F.C., VisnagarforAddingofSec.120B,302ofCr.P.C. CasepapersofIbrahimkhanUmarkhanBaloch TransferformofIbrahimkhanUmarkhanBaloch DNAreportDated12.06.2003 F.S.L.reportDated15.01.2003 F.S.L.reportDated04.01.2003 MapofplaceofincidentdrawnbyCircleOfficer. Photographsofplaceofincident(totalNos.7) Photographsofplaceofincident(totalNos.4) DispatchnoteDated15.12.2008 ReceiptofMuddamalbyF.S.L.Dated15.12.2008 F.S.L.ForwardingLetter F.S.L.reportDated16.01.2009 MedicalCertificateofHanifabibiAbdulbhai MedicalCertificateofAbdulkarimMahmadbhai Mansuri Photographsofplaceofincident(totalNos.4) Slipdulysignedbypanchas Slipdulysignedbypanchas Slipdulysignedbypanchas Slipdulysignedbypanchas MedicalCertificateofIbrahimkhanUmarkhanBaloch 207

MedicalCertificateofIbrahimkhanUmarkhanBaloch 213 214 215 245 246 247 477 478 479 480 481 482 483 486 487 494 522 523 591 596to 598

// 41 //


Sr. No. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95.

Detailsofdocument MedicalCertificateofSamimBaloch Slipdulysignedbypanchas Slipdulysignedbypanchas Slipdulysignedbypanchas Slipdulysignedbypanchas MedicalCertificateofBasirabenGulabkhan DeathCertificateofZinnatbibiMuradkhanPathan DeathCertificateofBanubibiYusufkhanPathan DeathCertificateofYakubkhanMuradkhanPathan DeathCertificateofHusenabibiYakubkhanPathan DeathCertificateofAtaullakhanYusufkhanPathan DeathCertificateofAmanullakhanYusufkhan Pathan DeathCertificateofAsifkhanYakubkhanPathan DeathCertificateofAbidkhanYakubkhanPathan DeathCertificateofAfsanabanuIbrahimbhaiBelim DeathCertificateofSuhanbanuJabirbhai Usmankhilji

Exh. No. 605 621 633 644 660 665 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710

MedicalCertificateofSayonarbibiYakubkhanPathan 606

DeathCertificateofMunafbhaiJabirbhaiUsmanbhai 711 Pathan Notificationregardingprohibitiontocarryarms PropertyCardsofResidentialhousessituatedinthe ChudivasofVisnagar(TotalNos.16) CopyofmessagesentbyVisnagarPoliceStationfor availabilityofF.S.L.Vanattheplaceofincident. InformationofI.Cr.R.No.60/2002oftheVisnagar PoliceStation. ApplicationsentbyYusufkhanMuradkhantoP.I., Visnagar 723 737 744 745 759

// 42 //


Sr. No. 96. 97. 98. 99.

Detailsofdocument ApplicationsentbyYusufkhanMuradkhanto J.M.F.C.,Visnagar ApplicationsentbyBalochMahmadHaniftoP.I., Visnagar

Exh. No. 760 761

ApplicationsentbyAhemadmiyaHasumiyaBelimto 762 P.I.,Visnagar ApplicationsentbyShermahmadDalumiyaSindhito 763 P.I.,Visnagar

100. ApplicationsentbyMahmadhanifDalubhaiSindhito 764 P.I.,Visnagar 101. ApplicationsentbyNazirmiyaKalumiyatoP.I., Visnagar 102. SlipdulysignedbyPanchas 765 783

103. LetterwrittenbyP.S.I.Visnagar,totheP.S.O.Visnagar 784 PoliceStationformakingentryinthestationdiary aboutthearrestofaccusedperson. 104. LetterwrittenbyP.I.,VisnagartoJ.M.F.C.,Visnagar fortakingoverthecustodyofaccusedperson. 785

105. LetterwrittenbyS.I.TtoVisnagar,Talatiforpedigree 789 ofBabulalSankalchandAsobiya 106. PedigreeofAccusedYogeshbhaiBabubhai 790 107. LetterwrittenbyTalatiVisnagar,totheAssistant 791 DirectorDated18.07.2008aboutpedigreeofaccused YogeshbhaiBabulal 108. ApplicationwrittenbyPatelSankalchand KacharabhaitoTalati,Visnagarforcopyofpedigree. 109. LetterwrittenbytheMamlatdar,Visnagartothe Collector,Mahesanaregardingcashdollpaidtothe Legalheirsofthevictimsofcommunalriots. 110. Statementshowingthecashdollpaidtothevictims ofcommunalriots. 792 795

796

// 43 //


Sr. No.

Detailsofdocument

Exh. No.

111. StatementcumReceiptofamountpaidtotheowners 797 ofthehousesofvictimsofcommunalriots. 112. LetterwrittenbyS.I.TtoCollectoraboutthe informationofI.Cr.R.No.60/02,Visnagar. 801

113. InformationsentbyDistrictMagistrate,Mahesana 802to regardingI.Cr.R.No.60/02,VisnagartotheAssistant 810 DirectorSIT 114. Statementshowingtheaccusedpersonsregarding involvementinothercrimes. 115. CopyofNotificationofAnnouncementofcurfew 116. PanchnamaofArrestof23accusedpersonsand recoveryofMuddamalDated23.10.2002 117. Slipdulysignedbypanchas 118. PanchnamaofArrestandrecoveryofMuddamal Dated11.07.2004 119. PanchnamaofarrestandrecoveryofMuddamal 120. Slipdulysignedbypanchas 121. PanchnamaofArrestandrecoveryofMuddamal Dated23.01.2004 122. Slipdulysignedbypanchas 123. PanchnamaofArrestandrecoveryofMuddamal Dated05.03.2004 124. Slipdulysignedbypanchas 125. PanchnamaofArrestandrecoveryofMuddamal Dated17.03.2004 126. Slipdulysignedbypanchas 127. PanchnamaofarrestandrecoveryofMuddamal Dated06.06.2008 128. PanchnamaoftheMuddamalcollectedbytheSIT fromtheSessionsCourt,Mahesanaforsendingitto theF.S.L. 813 824 831 832 834 841 842 843 844 845 846 855 856 857 858

// 44 //


Sr. No. 130. VideoCassette

Detailsofdocument

Exh. No. 899 900 915 916

129. VideoCassetteofrecordingofincident 131. LetterwrittenbyinvestigationofficertoDSPfor providingF.S.L.Van. 132. LetterwrittenbyinvestigationofficertoF.S.L.for inspectionofVehicle.

133. PanchnamaofrecoveryofvehicleTATASUMObythe 917 PoliceAuthority 134. F.S.L.ReportDated11.05.2010 135. LetterwrittenbyS.I.T.toJ.M.F.C.,Visnagarfor amendmentinF.I.R. 918 921

136. LetterwrittenbyP.I.,VisnagartoS.I.T.regardingnon 922 availabilityofweeklydiaryofM.K.Patel,P.I.,Visnagar. 137. Certificateregardingnonavailabilityofweeklydiary ofM.K.Patel,P.I.,VisnagarissuedbyDeputy SuperintendentofPolice,Visnagar. 138. ProsecutionSanction,grantedbytheDirector GeneralofPolice,toprosecuteM.K.Patel,P.I., Visnagar. 139. TruecopyofF.I.R,lodgedwiththeUnjha,Police StationagainstM.K.PatelP.I.,Visnagar. 140. CopyofcounterpartofChargesheetfiledagainst M.K.Patel,thethenP.I.Unjha,beforetheJ.M.F.C., Unjha 141. F.S.L.report 142. ReportofNarcoTest 143. PanchnamaofArrestM.K.Patel,M.K.Patel,P.I., Visnagar,Dated16.02.2009. 144. LetterwrittenbyDeputyDistrictMagistratetoSIT abouttheI.CR.No.60/2002 923

924

926 927

928 929 930 931

145. LetterwrittenbySITtoDirectorGeneralofPolicefor 936 takingactionsagainstShriV.V.Thakor,P.S.I.

// 45 //


Sr. No.

Detailsofdocument

Exh. No.

146. LetterwrittenbySITtoDirectorGeneralofPolicefor 937 takingactionsagainstShriL.M.Rathod,P.S.I. 147. LetterwrittenbySITtoDirectorGeneralofPolicefor 938 takingactionsagainstShriD.S.Asari,P.I. 148. LetterwrittenbySITtoDirectorGeneralofPolicefor 939 takingactionsagainstShriH.B.Rajput,P.I. 149. LetterwrittenbyChiefOfficer,VisnagartoSIT 1021 regardingdesignationofAccusedNo.85ShriD.T.Patel 150. GazetteshowingaccusedNo.85ShriD.T.Patel,as winnerinVisnagarMunicipalityElection. 1022

151. MinutesabouttheResolutionpassedregarding 1023 electionofPresidentandVicePresidentofVisnagar, Municipality. 152. InformationregardingM.L.A.,accusedNo.84 PrahladbhaiGosa 153. CertificateregardingM.L.A.,ofaccusedNo.84 PrahladbhaiGosa 154. DeathCertificateof AnvarkhanBaserkhanBaloch 155. DeathCertificateof AbdulkarimMahmadbhaiMansuri 156. DeathCertificateof IbrahimmiyaUmarkhanBaloch 157. DeathCertificateof HanifabenAbdulkarimMansuri 158. DeathCertificateof GulubhaiKayamkhanSindhi 159. CopyofRegister,showingtheEntryNo.179to189, madeintheBirthandDeathRegister 160. Statementshowingthecashdollpaidtothevictims ofcommunalriots. 161. F.I.R.ofI.CR.No.60/2002. 1035 1036 1084 1085 1086 1087 1088 1159 1163 1338

// 46 //


Sr. No.

Detailsofdocument

Exh. No. 1340 1352

162. StationDiaryDated28.02.2002. 163. F.S.L.DispatchNote,Dated27.10.2002. [11]

Prosecution has passed closing Pursis vide Exh.1169 on 05.08.2011.

[12]

Thereafter, Further Statements of the accused were recorded in which they have denied the allegations made againstthemandalsodeniedevidenceoftheprosecution. Thedefenceoftheaccusedpersons,asappearingfromthe crossexamination of the prosecution witnesses and from theirexaminationunderSec.313ofCr.P.C.isoftotaldenial. Thebasicdefenceoftheaccusedpersonsisthattheyhave beenfalselyimplicated.Theyclaimthattheyareinnocent. Theywerenotpresentatthetimeofincident.Theyhavenot takenpartintheincidentnortheywerepartofconspiracy fortheincident.Theyhadnotpeltedstonesnorattacked MuslimcommunityinChudivasnorweretheyarmedwith deadly weapons, nor ransacked anybody or set on fire houses vehicles etc., as alleged. Further, they have submittedthattheyareresidingintheDipraDarwajaand theMuslimsinthevillage:Chudivasarealsoresidingin thevillagesincetheirbirth.Theyhavenopreviousenmity with any community. Muslim persons of Chudivas were safe.Earliertherewerenocommunalriotsintheirarea.As theGodhratrainincidentoccurred, inmanypartsofthe

// 47 //


Gujarat,riotstookplacebutinDipraDarwajaarea,there were no untoward incident occurred, no complaint was lodgedforanysuchincident. [13] Inadditiontothat,theaccusedNo.2hasstatedthat,on the date of incident he was returning from his place of profession and at that time on Station Road, he was arrestedforthebreachofCurfewandheisinnocentandhe isfalselyimplicatedinthecase.AccusedNo.3hasstated that,onthedateofincidenthewasarrestedat12.00Noon from Visnagar Bus Stand for the breach of Curfew and falselyimplicatedinthecase.AccusedNo.4hasstatedthat, heisinnocentandonthedateofincidentatabout1245 P.M. he was arrested near his Society known as Karshannagar for the breach of Curfew and he has not played any role in the incident and he was falsely implicated in the case. Accused No.5 has stated that, he hasnotproducedanyweaponorhehasnotplayedanyrole intheoffence,hehadnotgonetotheDipraDarwajaand PolicehasarrestedhimforthebreachofCurfewandfalsely involvedhimintheincident.AccusedNo.6hasstatedthat, onthedateofincidenthewasreturningfromhisfieldand at that time police had arrested him for the breach of curfewandsincethenheisintheCustodyandthus,heis falselyimplicatedinthecase.AccusedNo.7hasstatedthat, heisinnocentandon28.02.2002hehadgonetoGozaria for his profession of Photography and at about 06.30 he

// 48 //


wasreturningtowardshishomeandwhenhewaspassing onVisnagarKadaRoad,hewasarrestedbythePolicefor the breach of Curfew. In support of his say, he has produced copy of Order Form for Photography and Certificate Dated 25.10.2002, issued by the Amarpura Gram Panchayat, stating therein that, he was doing videography and photography on the date of incident in Village Amarpura of Gozaria Taluka. Accused No.29 has statedthat,onthedateofincidenttheShoprunninginthe name of Jansangh and other shops were set on fire and ransackedandhisshopwasalsosetonfireandransacked and therefore, he has lodged the complaint at I.CR.No. 72/2002withtheVisnagarPoliceStation.Insupportofhis say, he has produced copy of F.I.R. of I.CR.No.72/2002. TheaccusedNo.31hasstatedthat,heisinnocentandon the date of incident he was in Field and he was falsely implicated in the incident.TheaccusedNo.34has stated that,onthedateofincidenthewasarrestedbythePolice forthebreachofCurfewnearDosabhaiBaugandCriminal Case No.1963/2002 was lodged against him and in that case,hehasdepositedamountofFineRs.100/.Insupport ofhissay,hehasproducedtheReceiptofFine,issuedby theCourt.AccusedNo.42hasstatedthat,heisinnocent, heisfalselyimplicatedinthecase,hedoesnotknowabout theincident,onthedateofincident,hisshoprunningin the name of Jansangh and other two shops, which are situatedintheMainmarketofVisnagarweresetonfireand

// 49 //


theirshopsaresituatedintheMuslimareaandthemobof Muslimshavesetonfireandransackedandrobbedtheir shopsandhealongwithmalemembersofhisfamilystayed in the shop for two days and Police has recorded their complainton28.02.2002at05.00P.M.atI.CR.No.72/2002 andPanchnamaoftheirshopwaspreparedbythePolice and their shops damaged worth Rs.11,00,000/. Accused No.45 has stated that, he is politically, economically and sociallyleadingandtherefore,heisfalselyimplicatedinthe offence. Accused No.46 has stated that, on the date of incidenttherewasBandhandtherefore,byclosinghisPan Shop, he along with his family members was doing agricultural work in their Field as there was season of WheatandasheisrunningthePanShop,manyMuslims knowshimandtherefore,theyhavefalselyimplicatedhis nameasanaccused.AccusedNo.48hasstatedthat,heis innocent and he is falsely implicated in the incident, his shop running in the name of Jansangh and other two shops,whicharesituatedintheMainmarketofVisnagar weresetonfireandtheirshopsaresituatedintheMuslim area and the mob of Muslims have set on fire and ransackedandrobbedtheirshopsandhealongwithmale membersofhisfamilystayedintheshopfortwodaysand PolicehasrecordedtheircomplaintandPanchnamaoftheir shopwaspreparedbythePoliceandtheirshopsdamaged worth Rs.11,00,000/. He has further stated that, the Police has lodged Criminal Case No.211/2006, under

// 50 //


section307,147ofI.P.C.againsthimbutinthesaidcase his name was falsely implicated because said case was lodgedagainstAnikeshbhaiSankalchandbhaiShankarbhai whereashisnameisAlkeshbhaiSankalchandKacharabhai and thus, he is by mistake involved in the incident. AccusedNos.51and53havestatedthat,heispolitically, economically and socially leading and therefore, he is falselyimplicatedintheoffence.AccusedNo.54hasstated that,heispolitically,economicallyandsociallyleadingand therefore,withintentiontodefameheisfalselyimplicated in the offence. Accused No.55 has stated that, he is GovernmentServantandon27.02.2002and28.02.2002he was onduty and insupportofhissay,hehasproduced certified copy of Muster Roll, Certificate of the Executive Engineer, regarding his attendance, statements of all employees and peons and person who is running the Canteen.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,aftersaidincidentalso hehasworkedwiththeExecutiveEngineerasMemberof Peace Committee. Accused No.57 has stated that, he is innocent and he is falsely implicated in the incident. he doesnotknowaboutsaidincident.On28.02.2002atabout 04.00P.M.hisshop,situatedintheMarketofVisnagarwas ransackedbythemobandtherefore,healongwithhisson, withthehelpofPolicereachedattheshopandhaslodged complaint of said incident and Police has recorded their Complaint at I.CR.No.72/2002 on 28.02.2002 at about 05.00 P.M. Moreover, he has further stated that, he is

// 51 //


sociallyandreligiouslyleadingandtherefore,hisnameis subsequentlyimplicatedintheincident.Insupportofhis say he has attached separate sheet, containing therein that,heis78yearsoldandon28.02.2002theirshopwas ransackedbythemobofMuslimsandtherefore,healong withhissonsreachedattheirshop,withthehelpofPolice andhealongwithotherbusinessmenreachedatthePolice Stationforlodgingthecomplaintandcomplaintwasgiven bytheownerofoneshopandPanchnamaofalltheshops whichwerelootedandransackedwasdrawnbythePolice and as per Panchnama, their shop was damaged worth Rs.11,00,000/ and said complaint was lodged at I.CR.No.72/2002 on 28.02.2002 and on the date of incident, except their shop he had not gone to anywhere and he was not knowing what happened in the Visnagar towninotherareas.hedoesnotknowabouttheincident occurredinDipraDarwaja.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,to harass his family, names of his family members Patel Sankalchand Kacharabhai, Patel Hasmukhbhai Sankalchand, Patel Alkeshbhai Sankalchand, Patel Hemandrabhai Alkeshbhai and Patel Jitubhai Hasmukhbhai were implicated as an accused in the said incident.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,fivemalemembersof hisfamilyarefalselyinvolvedinthesaidincident.Hehas further stated that, he and his son Hasmukhbhai are involvedinthesaidincidentaftertwoyears.Hehasfurther statedthat,heisdoingbusinesssincelast55yearsandhe

// 52 //


is leading in the work of Jivdaya, Panjarapole, Gaushala and he is also the President of Vepari Mahamandal and KapadMahajan,heisGeneralSecretarysincelast35years of their Societyandheisalsodoingotherreligiouswork and they have noenmitywithanyoneeventhoughwith intentiontoharasstheirfamilymembers,theyarefalsely implicatedinthiscase.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,itisnot possibleforustogoelsewherewhenourownshopswere ransackedandlootedbythemob.Insupportofhissay,he has also produced copy of F.I.R. of I.CR.No.72/2002. Accused No.58 has statedthat, he is innocent and he is falselyimplicatedintheincident,hisshoprunninginthe nameofJansanghandothertwoshops,whicharesituated intheMainmarketofVisnagarweresetonfireandtheir shops are situated in the Muslim area and the mob of Muslimshavesetonfireandransackedandrobbedtheir shopsandhealongwithmalemembersofhisfamilystayed in the shop for two days and Police has recorded their complaintandPanchnamaoftheirshopwaspreparedby thePoliceandtheirshopsdamagedworthRs.11,00,000/. In support of his say, he has produced the F.I.R. of I.CR.No.72/2002,underSection436,427,143ofI.P.C.and Sec.135 of the B.P.Act. and Panchnama, drawn by the Police. Accused No.59 has stated that, on the date of incident he was present in the Court of Principal Civil Judge at Porbandar and in support of his say, he has producedcopyofCertificate,issuedbytheCourt.Hehas

// 53 //


furtherstatedthat,heissociallyandeconomicallyleading and as he is functioning as President of Vepari Maha Mandal, with intention to defame him, he was falsely implicatedasanaccusedintheincident. AccusedNo.60 hasstatedthat,heissociallyandeconomicallyleadingand therefore, he is falsely implicated in the incident as an accused.AccusedNo.61hasstatedthat,heissociallyand economicallyleadingandtherefore,heisfalselyimplicated in the incident asanaccused.AccusedNo.65hasstated that,hedoesnotknowabouttheincident.Onthedateof incidenthewasintheFieldandonreceivingnewsabout thecommunalriots,hestayedintheFieldduringthenight hours.AccusedNos.66and67havestatedthat,atthetime of incident they were Corporator of the Visnagar Municipality and as they are socially and economically leading,theyarefalselyimplicatedintheoffence.Theydo not know about the incident and with political grievance they are falsely implicatedasanaccused.AccusedNo.68 hasstatedthat,heissociallyandeconomicallyleadingand therefore, he is falsely implicated in the incident as an accused.AccusedNo.69hasstatedthat,heissociallyand politicallyleadingandhewastheMemberofMunicipality andtherefore,hewasfalselyimplicatedintheincident.He hadnotgoneanywhereandhasnotseenanythingandat thetimeofincident,hewasdoingagriculturalworkinthe Field. Accused No.70 has stated that, at the place of incidenthehadnotseenanything,hehadnotgonethere

// 54 //


andheisretiredPrincipalandSocialWorkerandtherefore, he is falsely implicated as an accused in the alleged incident. Accused No.72 has stated that, on the date of incident,shewasattheresidenceofherHusbandatKada Darwajaandshedoesnotknowabouttheincidentandshe is falsely implicated as an accused and she is innocent. AccusedNo.79hasstatedthat,onthedateofincident,he wasdischarginghisresponsibledutiesasManagerofThe MehsanaUrbanCo.Op.BankLtd.Andon28.02.2002he wasatMahesanaandaftercompletinghisservicehours,at 06.00P.M.hereachedVisnagarat08.00P.M.bytraveling intheTankerofMilk,asthetransportfacilitiesofS.T.Bus was closed and thus, though he was not present in Visnagaronthedateofincident,hewasfalselyimplicated as an accused. In support of his say, he has produced Certificate,issuedbytheGeneralManagerofTheMehsana UrbanCo.Op.BankLtd.,andMusterRolloftheBank. [14] TheaccusedNo.83hasstatedthat,hehasnotcommitted anyoffence,forwhichheischarged.Hehasfurtherstated that, on 18.02.2002 he was transferred at Visnagar and hasjoinedhisdutyon22.02.2002.Insupportofhissay,he has produced the Copy of Transfer Order and Report of joiningdutyisproduced.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,after joining his duties, within six days the said incident had taken place. Visnagar Taluka is consisting of 65 Villages andmostofvillagesarehavingHinduandMuslimpeople

// 55 //


andthatvillagesaresensitiveanditwasverydifficultfor him to aware with the geographical situation of all these villages.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,assoonashereceived the information about the incident of Dipra Darwaja, he immediately rushed to Dipra Darwaja along with Police forceandarrestedsevenpersonsfromtheplaceofincident and65Muslimpersonsweresavedbyusingforceand10 Muslim persons who were trapped in the fire were also savedandhehasshiftedallthevictimsatthesaferplace and for discharging his duties with full commitment and honestly,theD.S.P.ofMahesanahasawardedhimwiththe prize of Rs.1000/ and said document is produced in support of his say. He has further stated that, during 28.02.2002to25.03.2002tocontrolthecommunaltense, hehasregistered97CasesunderSection107and151,77 casesunderSec.110and99casesforthebreachofCurfew and that cases were registered to control the communal riotsandforthat,theD.S.P.ofMahesanahasgivenhim CreditNote,whichisproducedintherecord,insupportof hissay.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,consideringthesteps takenbyhimtocontrolthecommunalriots,theD.S.P.of Mahesana has sent Fax Message to Shri K. Chakravarty, DirectorGeneralofPolice,Gandhinagar,fornottransferring him from Visnagar. He has produced copy of said Fax Messageinsupportofhissay.Hehasfurtherstatedthat, during said tenure 30 offences of communal riots were registeredwiththeVisnagarPoliceStationandalongwith

// 56 //


maintainingtheLawandOrderhehastodoinvestigationof thoseseriouscasesandconsideringtheentirerecordand evidence,nooffencemadeagainsthimunderSection302, 303,201,120B,147,148,149,436,427,337,504,506(2), 188,217,218,221ofI.P.C.andSec.135oftheB.P.Act.He has further stated that, the Confidential Report of the relevantperiod wasfiledbytheD.S.P.,Mahesanaandin thatreport,inCol.No.5hehasmentionedthat,thepowers whichwereassignedtohimwereperfectlyutilizedandin Col.No.8 of Special work, he has mentioned that, the incident of Stabbing, registered with the Visnagar Police Station were properly investigated and real accused were implicated and was remained success in stopping the occurrenceofcrime.Insupportofhissayhehasproduced thecopyofsaidC.R.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,afterhis transferfromtheVisnagarPoliceStation,PoliceInspector Rajput and Police Inspector Shri Asari were posted and during their investigation they have not noted any thing against him and they have only arrested the accused persons, who were shown absconding by him. He has furtherstatedthat,onthedateofincident,aftersometime of incident, Dy.S.P. Shri Jadeja has made visitation and verifiedthestatementsofallwitnessesandhaswrittenthe CrimeMemoofsaidcaseandinthatdocumentalsohehas not mentioned any defect. He has produced copy of said CrimeMemo,insupportofhiscase.Hehasfurtherstated that,aftersometimeofincident,theD.S.P.,MahesanaShri

// 57 //


AnupamsinhGehlothadvisitedtheplaceofincidentand he has periodically sent the copies of Case Diary and ProgressReportofsaidCasetohimandthus,hehasnot committed any offence to protect any person from lawful actionortocreateanyfalserecordorhasnotallowedany person to abscond and he has not made any such note against him or not asked for any explanation in this respect.Hehasfurtherstatedthat,inrespectofCommunal riots occurred at Visnagar, the 16 persons of Muslim community have executed and produced affidavits before the Investigation TribunalofHon'bleJusticeG.T.Nanavati (Retired) and Hon'ble Justice K.G.Shah (Retired) at Bungalow No.33, Opp. Police Stadium, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad380004,inwhichtheyhavespecificallystated that,Policehadprovidedsufficientprotectiontothemand their community and Police had done good job. He has furtherstatedthat,hehasmadechargesheetagainst50 accusedpersonsandoutofthem31accusedwereshown asabscondingandcopyofsaidChargesheetisproducedin support of his say. He has further stated that, as per provisions of Law, as per requirement he has demanded remand of the accused persons and he has made note accordinglyintheCaseDiaryandcopyofsaidCaseDiary isproducedonrecordinsupportofhissayandlastlyhe hasstatedthat,hehasnotcommittedanyoffenceandheis innocent.

// 58 //


[15]

The accused No.85 has added in his Further Statement that,hewasnotpresentattheplaceofincidentontheday of incident and after passing of long time, he was intentionally implicated as an accused and he became victimoftheresultofconspiracyandhehasnotcommitted anyoffenceasallegedandheisinnocent.

[16]

I have heard the arguments advanced by Shri M.K.Brahmbhatt, learned Special Prosecutor, who is assistedbyAdditionalSpecialProsecutorShriS.G.Thakur, appearing on behalf of the Prosecution as well as I have also heard the learned advocates Shri G.N.Brahmbhatt, ShriB.G.PatelandShriC.K.Shah,appearingonbehalfof theaccusedpersons.IhavealsogonethroughtheWritten ArgumentsproducedvideExh.1325bytheLearnedSpecial Prosecutor Shri M.K.Brahmbhatt and Written Arguments submitted by Learned Advocate Shri Ayaz K. Shaikh, appearing on behalf of the original complainant. I have also gone through the Written Arguments submitted vide Exh.1374, by the learned advocate Shri B.S.Patel, appearingonbehalfofaccusedNos.1to82and84andalso gone through the Written Arguments produced vide Exh.1307, by the learned advocate Shri B.G.Patel, appearingonbehalfofaccusedNo.83. This court has paid sufficient attention towards the oral as well as written arguments advanced and/or

// 59 //


submittedbythelearnedadvocates,appearingonbehalfof both the sides and they are discussed hereunder, at the relevantpointinthisJudgementandtherefore,atthecost ofrepetitionitisnotproducedhere. [17] In this case, the Special Prosecutor Mr.M.K.Brahmbhatt andAdditionalSpecialProsecutorMr.S.G.Thakuraswellas learned advocates appearing on behalf of the original complainant Mr.Ayaz K. Shaikh, have cited following authorities, in support of their case. On the other hand learned advocates appearing on behalf of the accused Shri G.N.Brahmbhatt, Shri B.G.Patel and Shri C.K.Shah havealsocitedfollowingauthorities.Thiscourtrespectfully owes down with the law laid down by the Hon'ble Apex Court of India as well as by the Hon'ble High Court of GujaratandotherHon'bleHighCourtsandallthecitations are discussed at the relevant point in this Judgement, hereunderforthesakeofconvenience.

[18]

LearnedSpecialPublicProsecutorShriM.K.Brahmbhatt, appearingonbehalfoftheProsecutionhascitedfollowing authoritiesinsupportoftheircase: (1) 2004SupremeCourtCases(Cri.)999 ZAHIRAHABIBULLAH.SHEIKHANDANR. VERSUS STATEOFGUJARATANDORS.

// 60 //


Wherein it is held by the Honourable Supreme Court of Indiathat, Itisfurthersubmittedthatthefreshinvestigationshould bedirectedasinvestigationalreadyconductedwasnotdone inafairmannerandtheprosecutordidnotactfairly.Ifthe Statesmachineryfailstoprotectcitizenslife,libertiesand propertyandtheinvestigationisconductedinamannerto help the accused persons, it is but appropriate that this Court should step in to prevent undue miscarriage of justicethatisperpetrateduponthevictimsandtheirfamily members.(Para22) Itisdesirablethattherequirementoffairnessbeseparately identified since it transcends the content of more particularisedlegalrulesandprinciplesandprovidesthe ultimaterationaleandtouchstoneoftherulesandpractice which the common law requires to be observed in the administrationofthesubstantivecriminallaw. This Court has often emphasizedthatinacriminal case thefateoftheproceedingscannotalwaysbeleftentirelyin the hands of the parties, crimes being public wrongs in breach and violation of public rights and duties, which affectthewholecommunityasacommunityandharmful to the society in general. The concept of fair trial entails familiartriangulationofinterestsoftheaccused,thevictim andthesocietyanditisthecommunitythatactsthrough

// 61 //


theStateandprosecutingagencies.Interestsofsocietyis notbetreatedcompletelywithdisdainandaspersonanon Grata.Courtshavealwaysbeenconsideredtohaveanover riding duty to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice often referred to as the duty to vindicate and uphold the majesty of the law. Due administration of justice has always been viewed as a continuous process, not confined to determination of the particularcase,protectingitsabilitytofunctionasaCourt oflawinthefutureasinthecasebeforeit.Ifacriminal Courtistobeaneffectiveinstrumentindispensingjustice, the Presiding Judge must cease to be a spectator and a morerecordingmachinebybecomingaparticipantinthe trial evincing intelligence, active interest and elicit all relevant materials necessary for reaching the correct conclusion, to find out the truth, and administer justice withfairnessandimpartialitybothtothepartiesandtothe communityitserves.Courtsadministeringcriminaljustice cannotturnablindeyetovexatiousoroppressiveconduct thathasoccurredinrelationtoproceedings,evenifafair trialisstillpossible,exceptattheriskofunderminingthe fair name and standing of the Judges as impartial and independentadjudicators. Though,justiceisdepictedtobeblindfolded,aspopularly said,itisonlyaveilnottoseewhothepartybeforeitis whilepronouncingjudgmentonthecausebroughtbeforeit

// 62 //


byenforcinglawandadministerjusticeandnottoignoreor turnthemind/attentionoftheCourtawayfromthetruth of the cause or lie before it, in disregard of its duty to prevent miscarriage of justice. When an ordinary citizen makesagrievanceagainstthemightyadministration,any indifference, inaction or lethargy shown in protecting his right guaranteed in law will tend to paralyse by such inactionorlethargicactionofCourtsanderodeinstages faith inbuilt in judicial system ultimately destroying the very justice delivery system of the country itself. Doing justice is the paramount consideration and that duty cannot be abdicated or diluted and diverted by manipulativeredherrings. AspithilystatedinJennisonv.Backer,1972(1)AllER997 (1006), Thelawshouldnotbeseentositlimply,whilethosewho defyitgofree,andthosewhoseekitsprotectionlosehope. Courtshavetoensurethataccusedpersonsarepunished andthatthemightorauthorityoftheStatearenotusedto shieldthemselvesortheirmen.Itshouldbeensuredthat they do not wield such powers which under the Constitutionhastobeheldonlyintrustforthepublicand societyatlarge.Ifdeficiencyininvestigationorprosecution isvisibleorcanbeperceivedbyliftingtheveiltryingtohide

// 63 //


the realities or covering the obvious deficiencies. Court havetodealwiththesamewithanironhandappropriately withintheframeworkoflaw.Itisasmuchthedutyofthe prosecutorasoftheCourttoensurethatfullandmaterial facts are brought on record so that there might not be miscarriage of justice. (See : Shakila Abdul Gafar Khan (Smt.)v.VasantRaghunathDhoble&Anr.,2003(7)SCC 749.)(Para56) Criminaltrialsshouldnotbereducedtobethemocktrials or shadow boxing of fixed trials. Judicial Criminal AdministrationSystemmustbekeptcleanandbeyondthe reachofwhimsicalpoliticalwillsoragendasandproperly insulated from discriminatory standards or yardsticks of thetypeprohibitedbythemandateoftheConstitution. Thosewhoareresponsibleforprotectinglifeandproperties andensuringthatinvestigationisfairandproperseemto have shown no realanxiety.Large number of peoplehad lost their lives. Whether the accused persons were really assailantsornotcouldhavebeenestablishedbyafairand impartialinvestigation.ThemoderndayNeroswerelooking elsewhere when Best Bakery and innocent children and womenwereburning,andwereprobablydeliberatinghow the perpetrators of the crime can be saved or protected. Lawandjusticebecomefliesinthehandsofthesewanton boys.Whenfencesstarttoswallowthecrops,noscopewill

// 64 //


beleftforsurvivaloflawandorderortruthandjustice. Publicorderaswellaspublicinterestbecomemartyrsand monuments. (2) (2009)10SupremeCourtCases477 VISHNUANDOTHERS VERSUS STATEOFRAJASTHAN Wherein it is held by the Honourable Supreme Court of Indiathat, Section 149 of the Penal Code provides for vicarious liability.Ifanoffenceiscommittedbyanymemberofan unlawful assembly in prosecution of a common object thereof or such as the members of that, assembly knew thattheoffencetobelikelytobecommittedinprosecution ofthatobject,everypersonwhoatthetimeofcommitting that offence was member would be guilty of the offence committed.Thecommonobjectmybecommissionofone offencewhiletheremaybelikelihoodofcommissionofyet anotheroffence,theknowledgewhereofiscapableofbeing safely attributable to the members of the unlawful assembly. Whether a member of such unlawful assembly wasawareasregardslikelihoodofcommissionofanother offence or not would depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case. Background of the incident, themotive,thenatureoftheassembly,thenatureofthe arms carried by the members of the assembly, their

// 65 //


common object and the behavior of the members soon before, at or after the actual commission of the crime wouldberelevantfactorsfordrawinganinferenceinthat behalf. TherecordunmistakenlyindicatesthataccusedLatawho isnowacquittedbytheHighCourt,hadgonetotheplace wherethefirstinformantandhisrelativeswerewatching sport event, to inform appellant Bhanwar Lal and others thatJatavaswereplyingtractorinthedisputedland.The evidence of complainant shows that moment the said informationwasconveyedbyLata,kanhaiyaLali.e.father ofappellantBhanwarLalhadloudlyshoutedthatwhereall theirpeoplehadgone,uponwhichBabuDevta,mahesh, Brahma Nand, Kanta, Vishnu, Din dayal, Kailash, BhagwanLal,BhanwarLal,lataetc.hadarmedthemselves with different weapons including axes and started proceedingtowardsthedisputedland. Theappellantswereknowingfullywellthatthelandwas allottedtoJatavasandtheywereentitledtocultivatethe same,butwithaviewtopreventingthemfromcultivating the land, the appellants with others had gone to the disputedlandwithweaponsandstartedattackingthefirst informantandhisrelatives.Havingregardtothedefinition oftheword'unlawfulassembly'asgiveninSection141IPC there is no manner of doubt that the appellants were

// 66 //


membersofunlawfulassembly,commonintentionofwhich wastomountattackandcauseinjuriestojatavas. Theevidenceoftheinformantprovesthatfirstofallhewas assaultedafterwhichhiswifewasassaultedandthereafter his brother Ram Khiladi was assaulted. His evidence further establishes that his father harmukh, his mother Sua Bai, his wife Birma bai were also assaulted by the appellants and others. His evidence further shows that deceased Sukh Lal with his wife was running towards housetosavehimselfbuttheappellantshadchasedhim andafterovertakinghim,deliveredblowswithdangerous weaponsandsticksasaresultofwhichhelosthislifeon the spot. The appellants and others who had come in a grouphadlefttheplaceofincidenttogether.(Para48) Thecumulativeeffectofthecircumstancesprovedbythe prosecution is suchisthat theintention of theunlawful assembly was to cause death of Sukh Lal and to cause injuriestotheinjuredwitnesses.Thustheconvictionofthe appellantsunderSection302readwith149cannotbesaid to be erroneous at all and no ground is made out to interfere with the same in the instant appeal. For the foregoingreasonstheappealfailsandisdismissed. (3) AIR1999SUPREMECOURT382 KISHORI VERSUS

// 67 //


STATEOFDELHI Wherein it is held by the Honourable Supreme Court of Indiathat, (A) Penal Code (45 of 1860), S.300, S.149 MURDER WITNESSMurderRiotsAccusedpersonsmembersof mob alleged to have attacked and killed three deceased persons belonging to particular community No discrepancy in testimony of eyewitnesses about death of deceasedandinidentifyingpresenceofaccusedpersonsin mob Details as to role attributed to several persons in mobornarrationastosuccessionofeventstakingplace, notrelevantGuiltofaccusedpersonsasmembersofmob establishedTheirconviction,proper. (4) AIR1997SUPREMECOURT1654 STATEOFU.P. VERSUS DANSINGH Wherein it is held by the Honourable Supreme Court of Indiathat, (A) PenalCode(45of1860),S.300,S.147,S.149,S.436 MURDER RIOTS WITNESS Multiple murder CommunalriotMembersofmarriagepartyofScheduled CasteAssaultedbyvillagersbysticksandstonesSome ofthemburntaliveinsidethehouseofScheduledCaste Reliable testimony by four eyewitnessesAccused persons identified by them, held liable to be convicted under,

// 68 //


Sections147,302/149,436/149,323/149and301/149. (C) Penal Code (45of1860),S.147RIOTSWITNESS RiotTestimonyofeyewitnessesCannotberejectedonly because of some inconsequential contradiction or exaggeration. (5) 2003(1)G.L.H.699 STATEOFGUJARAT VERSUS RAGHUVASHRAMBHAI WhereinitisheldbytheHonourableHighCourtofGujarat that, (C) Indian Penal Code, 1860 S.302 Criminal Trial

AppreciationofevidencesPasthistoryofthewitnessesno ground to discard his evidence Evid

deepda darwaza massacre judgement

Documents