Rakesh Asthana Rejects Sonia Gandhi's Godhra Fire Claims
Former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana refuted claims in Sonia Gandhi's memoir that the cause of the 2002 Godhra train burning remains disputed.
Former Central Bureau of Investigation Special Director Rakesh Asthana has rejected assertions made in Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, regarding the 2002 Godhra train burning. In the book, Gandhi describes the cause of the fire that killed 59 Hindu pilgrims on the Sabarmati Express as "disputed."
Asthana told ANI that this characterization is "completely wrong," maintaining that forensic evidence established the cause and that the investigation's authenticity was proved in court. He stated that any remaining doubts are raised for "political reasons." While defending the criminal investigation, Asthana remarked that the case was unfortunately handled in a manner that attempted to benefit Narendra Modi.
The legal proceedings for the incident concluded with the Supreme Court of India upholding convictions previously issued by a special court and the Gujarat High Court.
