Gujarat HC Upholds Acquittal of Hindutva Men in Vadodara Mob Killing During 2002 Muslim Genocide

Gujarat HC Upholds Acquittal of Hindutva Men in Vadodara Mob Killing During 2002 Muslim Genocide
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The Gujarat High Court has upheld the acquittal of five Hindutva men involved in the 2002 Muslim genocide, specifically in the mob killing of Samsuddin alias Kasamkhan in Vadodara.

According to Maktoob Media, the court cited a lack of sufficient evidence to prove their involvement beyond reasonable doubt, as the prosecution failed to identify the accused as part of the large mob that carried out the violence. Witness testimonies were inconsistent, with key witnesses unable to identify the perpetrators.

The case dates back to the violent riots of February 28, 2002, when Hindu mobs, including members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), unleashed attacks on Muslims in Gujarat.

These events led to thousands of deaths, widespread property destruction, and significant displacement of Muslims. Despite numerous acquittals and controversial verdicts over the years, including the 2023 Naroda Gam massacre case, the Gujarat High Court confirmed the acquittal in this instance, noting that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges related to rioting, arson, and murder.