Gujarat Chief minister, Narendra Modi in his nine–hour long questioning by the SIT in March 2010 seemed to have stuck to his claims that he had initiated steps to prevent riots in the state. Modi, during the questioning, had also denied the presence of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in the meeting.
The SITs final report in the Zakiya Jafri case is awaiting a perusal by a trial court.
The 18–page document which has now been leaked to the media reveals that 72 questions were put before the Chief minister. On being asked on who had ordered the bodies of the Godhra carnage to be brought to Ahmedabad Modi had stated, “The decision was collectively taken at the District collectorate and then I had instructed that bodies be brought to the Sola hospital on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.” Modi further told the SIT that the decision was taken since it came to light that most of the victims were from in and around Ahmedabad.
When the Gujarat chief minister was asked whether he knew that the bodies were handed over to a VHP leader Jaydeep Patel, Modi feigned ignorance. “I don’t remember having met Patel after the decision was taken to bring bodies to AHmedabad. I do not know as to how and when the bodies reached Ahmedabad. However, the custody of the bodies remained with the district administration, police and hospital authorities,” Modi told the SIT.
