Naroda Patiya case: Gujarat HC acquits ex-BJP minister Maya Kodnani, uphelds Babu Bajrangi's conviction

The Gujarat High Court on Friday acquitted former BJP minister Maya Kodnani and upheld the conviction of former Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi in 2002 Naroda Patiya riot case.

In 2012, a special court had sentenced 32 people, including Maya Kodnani, to life imprisonment. The trial court had held that she was the mastermind of the violence in Naroda area. Another high-profile accused, Babu Bajrangi, was given life imprisonment till death.

Naroda Patiya riot is one of the worst incidents which followed the Godhra train burning incident of February 27, 2002, in which 59 kar sevaks were killed.

Kodnani was sentenced to 28 years of imprisonment, while Bajrangi was given life imprisonment till death. Seven accused were given enhanced life imprisonment of 21 years, which they will serve after undergoing 10 years' imprisonment under IPC section 326 (causing grievous hurt).