Ahmedabad, Sept 18: Deposing before the two-man riot probe panel, a majority community witness from the sensitive Amraiwadi area today alleged that "Muslims had unfurled the National Flag of Pakistan on a public tank and raised pro-Pakistani slogans ten days after Godhra riots" and added that till date the Hindus are being tormented by them in the area. "A large group of Hindus, that was returning after completing the final rites of 15 from Amraiwadi killed in the Godhra train carnage, found a mob of Muslims gathered near Khanwadi locality and heard statements that "Kafeeron to kaat dalo, makan khali karao", alleged Ashok Patel, a BJP municipal corporator from Bagh-e-Firdaus ward.

Patel, deposing before Justice (Retd) G T Nanavati and Justice (Retd) K G Shah alleged, "after nearly 10 days of the train carnage, Pakistani flags were unfurled on top of a public tank in Ramol area and Muslims shouted slogans like 'Pakistan zindabaad' (long live Pakistan)."

He claimed that though Hindus had observed restraint and averted any major clash on the day of cremation of Godhra victims, riots were triggered after Muslims instigated them "with a intention of spreading fear".

Patel alleged that after communal riots, a large number of Hindu families vacated their houses and shifted elsewhere.
During cross-examination, the corporator said that no Hindu had ever represented to him regarding confiscation of property by Muslims.

Bureau Report