Witnesses laud police role in Vejalpur riots
Over 20 witnesses residing in the jurisdiction of Vejalpur police station who deposed before the Justice G.T. Nanavati and Justice K.G. Shah inquiry commission on Wednesday appreciated the role of local police for tackling the crisis and coming to their rescue during the post-Godhra riots in the city.

While several residents of Guptanagar, Juhapura and Vejalpur praised the timely intervention and rescue operation of former deputy commissioner of police (zone I) V. Pargi there were some who stated that they were scared to return back to their homes which was set ablaze by the mob."Congress councillor and an advocate Syed Gulabnabi Syed deposed before the riot panel and said, "Police tried their best to control the chaotic situation." Similarly, municipal councilor of Vejalpur Nagarpalika, Mohammed Farooq Sheikh appreciated the police patrolling and vigilance. Rasool Fakir Ahmed, Mohammed Dawoodi, Ramzaan Sheikh and Mujid Sheikh stated before the commission that a mob had tried to attack them but the police dispersed the mob by lobbing tear gas shells. "The mob attacked a constable but he did not react," said Imam Noor Mohammed whose kerosene shop was set ablaze.

However few witnesses urged the commission to restart the ST bus services in the Juhapura area again while others recommended that the police bandobast in sensitive areas be strengthened.

"Hindu ko maar daalo (kill the Hindus) was the uproar that echoed in our society at Vejalpur," said Kusum Gared, a resident of Kamoudi society. Thirty people had registered to depose before the commission but only 25 persons including Dr Yunus Bhavnagri deposed.

Commenting on the statements recorded by the commission on Thursday advocates said the witnesses were giving statement similar to the group to which they belong: either in favour of police or against it.

The commission will record statements of Ghatlodia, Sola and Naranpura on Friday

Republished from The Asian Age