The alleged mastermind of 2002 Godhra train burning case Farooq Bhana was hiding his identity and working with a fake name at Bombay’s Municipal corporation (BMC) , said J.K. Bhatt, Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch.
Bhana was absconding since the infamous incident took place and never came to Godhra earlier, but in the recent past he visited Godhra four-five times for meeting his family members.
“When we received information about Farooq Bhana travelling to Godhra frequently, we nabbed him,” said Bhatt.
“Bhana was working with a fake name at Bombay’s Municipal Corporation and used to hide his identity. For the last five-six years, he was in Mumbai and used to work for small contracts,” he added.
Bhatt further said that they received information about Bhana being spotted in Mumbai and then in Pakistan after which the police got active.
“ATS was searching for Bhana from past two-three months and finally he was nabbed today,” said Bhatt.
Bhana will now be handed over to the investigating officer for further probe.
The Gujarat Anti Terrorist squad (ATS) today arrested Bhana, who is accused of playing the key role in setting fire to Sabarmati Express train in which 59 persons were killed at Godhra railway station on February 27, 2002.
On February 27, 2002, as many as 59 people lost their lives after coach number S-6 of the Sabarmati Express train was torched by a mob at the Godhra railway station.
In 2011, a special court pronounced death sentence to 11 people and life time imprisonment to 20 others in connection with this case.
63 people were acquitted in this case.
The convicts have filed an appeal in the Gujarat High Court against the trial court’s order. The verdict is awaited.
