It took 14 years and a few months, but the verdict is out in the Gulbarg Society case of 2002, as 24 out of the 66 accused were convicted by a special court in Ahmedabad. During the 2002 Gujarat riots, a group of over 400 people attacked the Muslim-dominated Gulbarg Society in Ahmedabad, burning bungalows and apartment buildings. The police did not show up, despite repeated calls by Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, who was a resident of the society. Over 30 people were killed, including Jafri, who was hacked to death and then burned. Another 30-odd people were never seen again, taking the total toll to 69.
BJP and Congress leaders, including Modi, were investigated and questioned. Now 11 of the 66 accused have been convicted of murder, while 13 others, including VHP leader Atul Vaid, will be sentenced for lesser offences. This sentencing will be carried out on June 6.
While there are doubts as to the quantum of sentences that will eventually be delivered, the biggest talking point is the fact that the prosecution could not prove criminal conspiracy, hence the court declared that this was not a pre-planned act, which survivors and eye witnessed decry. All this only happened because of civil organisations that have doggedly pursued this case, at a time when the political class turned a blind eye to it. This may not be a complete win, according to survivors, but it can be seen as a win over the political class.
