Bharatiya Janata Party corporator Maya Kodnani, Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi and others had led mobs that were on rampage in Naroda Patiya area of Ahmedabad on February 28, 2002, a Muslim woman, Faridabano Abdul Kadar, on Tuesday told the Nanavati Commission, which is probing the Gujarat riots.
"Towards evening, another mob came from surrounding areas and burnt to death people of Hussain Nagar and raped several women," she said.
Even the State Reserve Police personnel posted nearby refused to help, she added.
During cross-examination by government pleader, she also said the crime branch police had taken her statement about the incident on May 12, 2002, but took no action even though she had named those who were involved.
Another Muslim riot victim, Noor Mohammed Mansuri, told the commission that on February 28 violence had erupted in Naroda Patiya and that he had seen an armed Hindu mob kill a pregnant woman in Hussain Nagar area.
He, however, said he neither knew the woman nor could recognise anybody from the mob.
The victim also told the commission that his father, who had gone to a friend's house on the same day, had not returned till date.
Two other witnesses, including a Hindu, said the violence in Naroda Patiya erupted after a vehicle that emerged out of Noorani Masjid crushed a man to death.
Only eight victims/witnesses from Naroda Patiya and Naroda Gaam deposed before the probe panel on Tuesday. Further recording of statements will continue on Wednesday.
© 2024 Rediff.com -