New Delhi/Gujarat: In a major setback for Narendra Modi’s government, the Gujarat High Court on Friday cancelled the anticipatory bail of Minister of State for Higher Education Mayaben Kodnani, an accused in the Godhra riots case of 2002.
Kodnani is accused of leading a rioting mob in Naroda Patiya and Naroda Gram area of the state capital on February 28, 2002. Over 100 people were killed in the riots there.
The Supreme Court-appointed SIT had appealed against a lower court order granting anticipatory bail to Kodnani and former VHP leader Jaydeep Patel in connection with post-Godhra riot cases.
The SIT had also expressed its apprehension that she may misuse her position to influence witnesses, Gohil added.
The SIT had approached the High Court on earlier occasions as well, seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Kodnani and Patel as they had not responded to its summons.
The High Court on March 9 had adjourned the hearing of an appeal seeking cancellation of Kodnani’s anticipatory bail.
The SIT, headed by former CBI Director RK Raghavan, is reinvestigating nine major cases of violence including Godhra carnage in the wake of burning a coach of Sabarmati Express at Godhra station on February 27, 2002.
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