Zakia Jafri, who challenged Modi's innocence in Gujarat riots, dies
What's the story
Zakia Jafri, the widow of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, passed away in Ahmedabad on Saturday. She was 86. Her husband was among 69 people who were killed in the Gulbarg Society during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The violence had erupted after the Godhra train burning incident on February 27, 2002, which killed 59 'karsevaks.' It had triggered widespread riots across Gujarat.
Legal pursuit
Jafri's legal battle for accountability in Gujarat riots
After the riots, Jafri emerged as a prominent face as she sought legal action to hold the alleged larger conspiracy behind the violence accountable. She challenged the clean chit given to high state officials, including then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Her protest petition was rejected by a magistrate court, following which she approached the Gujarat HC. In 2017, the HC upheld SIT's closure report.
Final verdict
Supreme Court's dismissal of Jafri's plea
Undeterred by the High Court's decision, Jafri approached the Supreme Court. However, in June 2022, the apex court dismissed her plea and accepted the SIT's findings. The court also made remarks about her co-petitioner Teesta Setalvad, pursuant to which Setalvad was arrested on charges of fabricating evidence. Setalvad was later granted bail by the Supreme Court.
Personal loss
Jafri's death and condolences from social activist
Jafri's son Tanveer Jafri said she died after she fell unwell while visiting her daughter's home in Ahmedabad. A doctor declared her dead around 11:30am. Social activist Teesta Setalvad wrote on social media platform X: "Zakia Appa a compassionate leader of the human rights community passed away just 30 minutes ago! Her visionary presence will be missed by d nation family friends & world! Tanveer Bhai, Nishrin, Duraiyaappa, grandkids we are with you! Rest in Power and Peace Zakia appa!"