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Provocative appeals fuelled Godhra atmosphere: RPF

Provocative appeals made over a loudspeaker from a place of worship surcharged the atmosphere to a great extent when the Sabarmati Express was attacked at Godhra on February 27, according to the Railway Police Force.

The first information report filed by the RPF on the night of February 27 also said that "miscreants from a minority community had planned to attack more coaches and the passengers had closed all windows and doors, becoming captive targets", according to sources.

The train, which was running three hours late, was stopped "twice" as soon as it moved after its five minutes' scheduled halt.

Three RPF personnel on duty -- Karan Singh, Sri Mohan Yadav and Ambaresh Kumar "fired four rounds" from .303 rifles. Ambaresh also alerted other colleagues and the Inspector-in-Charge, J K George.

Inspector George and Assistant Sub Inspector Nawab Singh rushed to the spot while "provocative calls" were being made from a local place of worship on a loudspeaker, the FIR said.

Interestingly, the RPF personnel were already on an extended 12-hour duty from February 22 ever since passengers from the majority community started moving for Ayodhya.

The FIR has charged over 1000 people with conspiracy and murder. About 40 people, including the local Congress corporator, have been taken into custody.

PTI

The Sabarmati in Flames: Complete Coverage

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