Web JafariyaNews

Probe: India train fire accidental

By: Nizam Hussain

NEW DELHI, India: An Indian train fire that killed 59 Hindus setting off deadly religious riots in Gujarat state in 2002, was an accident and not caused by a Muslim mob as originally alleged, an Indian government inquiry concluded.

The four-member committee appointed to investigate the fire said it probably started inside the coach "without any external input".

"There has been a preponderance of evidence that the fire in coach number S6 originated in the coach itself without any external input," said retired Supreme Court judge U.C. Bannerjee, who headed the committee.

"Moreover the possibility of an inflammable liquid having been used is completely ruled out as there was first a smell of burning, followed by then smoke and flames thereafter," he added.

"On the basis of the available evidence, the committee has found it unbelievable that Kar Sevaks (Hindu pilgrims) armed with Trishuls (tridents) would allow to get themselves burned without a murmur."

About 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in rioting and bloody reprisals after the train fire on February 27, 2002.

Railways Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav, who came to office in May as part of a coalition government led by the Congress Party -- which won support from Muslim voters -- set up the committee in July.

END