Ahmedabad, Aug 27: A minority community riot victim from Naroda Gaam today alleged that several BJP leaders, including the local MLA, were present in the mob that went on a rampage in the locality, where eight persons were killed on February 28, in the aftermath of Godhra train carnage. "I did see Mayaben (Kodnani) and other BJP leaders amongst the mob that later resorted to large scale rioting," Nanumiyan Malek told a packed conference room, as the recording of depositions of victims/witnesses of Naroda Patia by Justice (Retd) G T Nanavati and Justice (Retd) K G Shah of the two-man riot inquiry commission began today. Malek also alleged 'police inefficiency' in controlling the mob and said there were no policemen present to control the situation inspite of a police post being barely a few yards away.
Malek claimed to have seen charred bodies of at least five persons of his locality during the day-long frenzy.

He alleged that despite he and few others braving the riotous mob and entering the police station, the personnel present did not help them but instead pushed them towards the mob.
The witness also claimed that none of the property that was looted from several Muslim houses were till date traced by police.
Bureau Report