Godhra Train Fire: Rakesh Asthana Claims Pakistan Calls, Challenges Sonia Gandhi's Memoir
Asthana said forensic evidence and convictions proved the coach fire was a planned conspiracy, not an unresolved mystery, as investigators also examined a possible terror link.
- Former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana challenged Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's claim that the cause of the 2002 Godhra train fire remains "disputed" in her newly released memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love.
- Asthana asserted the burning of coach S-6 was a planned criminal conspiracy, rejecting Gandhi's characterization. The Nanavati Commission and the Special Investigation Team both concluded the incident involved pre-planned conspiracy, findings Asthana defended as "authentic."
- Investigators scrutinized the Aman Guest House in Godhra, where Asthana claimed records showed members of Hizbul Mujahideen stayed shortly before February 27, 2002. He noted petrol was procured in cans from a nearby pump to deliberately set the fire.
- Asthana alleged that then Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav sought to implicate him through the Justice UC Banerjee committee after the 2004 government change. The Gujarat High Court later ruled the committee's constitution illegal.
- A special court convicted 31 people in 2011, sentencing 11 to death and 20 to life imprisonment for the tragedy that claimed 59 lives in Godhra. Appeals regarding these convictions are currently before the Supreme Court, which began hearing the case in May 2025.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Godhra train fire was deliberate, Sonia Gandhi's memoir claim is wrong: Ex-CBI officer
Rakesh Asthana, the former CBI special director, rebutted Sonia Gandhi's memoir regarding the Godhra train fire's cause. He emphasized that investigations confirmed the fire was deliberately set, supported by court verdicts. The Nanavati Commission and the Supreme Court-appointed SIT reinforced the findings of the Gujarat Police investigation. During the 2002 incident, 59 people died when a train was set on fire.
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uttamhindu.comSonia Gandhi's book "Belonging: A Journey of Love" is currently being widely discussed. The facts and claims in the book are also being debated. You published this news via Cedarnews news site. To know more about the news and exclusive interviews of the magazine, visit our official website.
Godhra Train Fire: Ex-Investigator Rakesh Asthana Calls Sabarmati Express Blaze a Planned Conspiracy
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A fresh political controversy has erupted over the 2002 Godhra train burning incident after former investigating officer Rakesh Asthana made significant revelations challenging Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's recent remarks in her book. Responding to Gandhi's claim that the cause of the Sabarmati Express fire remains disputed, Asthana asserted that the burning of coach S6 was the result of a planned criminal conspiracy. …
Sonia Gandhi Book Controversy: Sonia Gandhi's book's comments on the Sabarmati Express fire sparked controversy. Former official Rakesh Asthana called it a conspiracy and made claims related to the investigation.
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