Godhra Train Fire: Ex-Investigator Rakesh Asthana Calls Sabarmati Express Blaze a Planned Conspiracy

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. He stated that the investigation was completed, convictions were secured and forensic evidence played a crucial role in establishing the case. Asthana, who led the investigation team constituted by the Gujarat government, also dismissed allegations that he faced pressure from then Chief Minister Narendra Modi during the probe. He revealed that he had requested Muslim police officers for the investigation because the incident took place in a predominantly Muslim locality, and the officers were provided without hesitation. Asthana further disclosed that investigators had examined a possible terror angle and suspected links involving Hizbul Mujahideen. According to him, the investigation team visited Kashmir, arrested and questioned certain individuals, but could not gather sufficient prosecutable evidence to establish their connection with the Godhra incident. Consequently, no chargesheet was filed against them in connection with that suspected link. His remarks have brought renewed attention to the investigation, the forensic findings and the political controversy surrounding the tragedy, which claimed 59 lives. The revelations have also triggered fresh questions about the possible terror links explored during the investigation and the circumstances behind the fire. With Sonia Gandhi's comments and Asthana's latest interview drawing political attention, the Godhra train burning case has once again become a major subject of national debate.