Godhra train fire accidental, not deliberate: panel:

Godhra train fire accidental, not deliberate: panel:

New Delhi, Jan 17 : An official inquiry panel Monday ruled out any foul play in the 2002 train fire in Godhra in which 59 Hindus were killed, an incident that sparked three months of sectarian violence in Gujarat.

Retired Supreme Court judge U.C. Banerjee, the chairman of the panel set up to investigate the torching of the S6 coach of Sabarmati Express, said evidence suggested the fire was "accidental" and not the result of any miscreant activity.

Banerjee ruled out theories of petrol, electrical short circuit or miscreants causing the fire.

The Godhra train torching led to state-wide violence in Gujarat, in which at least 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed and thousands rendered homeless.

Banerjee said evidence corroborated that 90 percent of the burnt train coach comprised 'kar sevaks' or Hindu volunteers, who were armed with 'trishuls' or tridents.

If there was any miscreant activity, the panel reasoned, these volunteers would not have allowed it without putting up any resistance.

The panel threw up various possibilities of accidental fire. It pointed a finger at some kar sevaks who were reportedly cooking inside the coach. A carelessly thrown cigarette butt was also not ruled out.

Banerjee was appointed in September last year, and his term was extended in December.

from AP