Godhra train burning incident: Tragedy that sparked Gujarat riots

The Godhra train burning incident, which took place on February 27, 2002, remains one of the most controversial and tragic events in modern Indian history. The incident involved the burning of Coach S-6 of the Sabarmati Express near the Godhra railway station in Gujarat, claiming the lives of 59 Hindu pilgrims, including women and children. This gruesome event triggered widespread communal riots across Gujarat, leading to immense loss of life and property.

On the fateful morning, the Sabarmati Express, carrying Hindu kar sevaks (pilgrims) from Ayodhya, stopped at Godhra station. The kar sevaks had visited Ayodhya, a site of religious significance due to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. As the train left the station, it was reportedly stopped near Signal Falia, a predominantly Muslim locality. Soon, a mob of around 1,000 people attacked the train, pelting it with stones and later setting the coach on fire. The fire quickly engulfed the coach, trapping and killing 59 passengers.

News of the burning spread rapidly, leading to violent riots across Gujarat. Over the next few months, thousands of people — mostly from the Muslim community — were killed, and many were displaced. The riots led to severe criticism of the Gujarat government, then led by Narendra Modi, for its alleged failure to control the violence.

The Godhra train burning was initially considered a spontaneous attack, but was later found to be a pre-planned conspiracy. Several investigation agencies, including the Nanavati-Mehta Commission and the Banerjee Committee, presented conflicting reports: Nanavati-Mehta Commission (2008) concluded that the attack was pre-planned by a Muslim mob, while UC Banerjee Committee (2006) suggested the fire was accidental, likely caused by a short circuit.

The case was assigned to a Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court. In 2011, a special court convicted 31 people, sentencing 11 to death and 20 to life imprisonment for their role in the conspiracy. However, in 2017, the Gujarat High Court commuted the death sentences to life imprisonment.

The Godhra incident and the ensuing riots deeply polarised Indian society. The events were widely debated in national and international media, raising questions about religious extremism, governance and justice. The riots also played a role in shaping the political landscape of India, influencing electoral outcomes and debates on secularism.

The incident was a tragic and defining moment in India's history, marking the beginning of one of the worst communal riots in Independent India. While justice has been served through legal proceedings, the wounds of the past still linger. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of communal hatred and the need for harmony in a diverse country like India.