23 Years Since the Gujarat Riots: A Tragic Chapter in India's Communal History

Ahmedabad, India – February 28, 2025 – It has been 23 years since the Gujarat riots of 2002, one of the deadliest communal conflicts in India’s modern history. Sparked by the burning of a train in Godhra on February 27, 2002, which resulted in the deaths of 59 Hindu pilgrims, the ensuing violence led to the deaths of over 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, according to official estimates. Thousands were displaced as the riots swept through the state, leaving a deep scar on India’s socio-political landscape.

The Gujarat riots remain one of the most significant and controversial events in India’s recent history, shaping national discourse on communal harmony, justice, and governance. Decades later, questions about accountability and reconciliation continue to loom, as survivors and affected families struggle with the lingering consequences of the violence.

The Godhra Incident and Its Fallout

On February 27, 2002, Coach S-6 of the Sabarmati Express caught fire near Godhra station, killing 59 passengers, primarily kar sevaks returning from Ayodhya. The incident was immediately declared an act of arson, allegedly carried out by a Muslim mob. This led to retaliatory violence across Gujarat, with mobs targeting Muslim homes, businesses, and places of worship.

According to government figures, 1,044 people were killed in the ensuing riots—790 Muslims and 254 Hindus. However, human rights organizations suggest the death toll may have been higher. In addition, thousands were displaced, and significant property damage was reported. Hindu mobs torched Muslim homes, killed Muslims, and destroyed mosques and graves, with covert support from Modi’s Hindu nationalist government. Over 100,000 Muslims were forced into refugee camps with minimal amenities.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stated that minorities’ safety lies in the majority’s goodwill. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief called Gujarat “the first positive response of Hindus to Muslim fundamentalism in 1,000 years.” Media reports show that the state not only failed to stop the killings but actively condoned them. Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sanjiv Bhatt testified that Modi allegedly told officials to allow Hindus to vent their anger, stating that Muslims needed to be taught a lesson.

Legal and Political Responses

The Gujarat government, led by then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, was widely criticized for its handling of the riots. Allegations of administrative lapses and delayed intervention led to national and international scrutiny. While Modi consistently denied any role in the violence, several investigations sought to determine the extent of state complicity.

In 2012, India’s Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) cleared Modi of wrongdoing, citing a lack of prosecutable evidence. However, critics argue that justice remained elusive for many victims, with cases dragging on for years. Some convictions were secured, including that of former Gujarat minister Maya Kodnani and Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi in the Naroda Patiya massacre case. However, in 2018, Kodnani was acquitted by the Gujarat High Court.

The riots also had political ramifications, with Modi’s leadership during the crisis becoming a defining aspect of his political career. Despite the controversy, he went on to win successive elections in Gujarat and later became India’s Prime Minister in 2014.

Impact on Communal Relations and Policy

The 2002 Gujarat riots exposed deep-rooted religious tensions in India, leaving a lasting impact on communal relations. While Gujarat has since experienced economic growth and infrastructural development, social divisions remain pronounced. Critics argue that the riots deepened the polarization of Indian politics, fueling sectarian narratives and emboldening majoritarian sentiment. BJP’s systemic anti-Muslim policies, rooted in the 2002 Gujarat riots, have escalated violence and the marginalization of Muslims, drawing growing global criticism.

A DW report reveals that BJP’s Gujarat policies have served as a model for nationwide anti-Muslim discrimination, with BJP politicians inciting mob violence, lynching Muslims, and spreading misinformation, portraying Muslims as security threats. Since 2014, lynchings have surged, fueled by ideologically charged Hindu extremist groups. Under Modi, religious polarization has been weaponized for electoral gains, hindering peaceful coexistence.

Muslims face systematic exclusion from political spaces, with their voices marginalized in state and national governance, limiting their ability to challenge discriminatory policies. Lawyers refuse to represent Muslims, while Hindu extremist groups create fear. The 2002 Gujarat riots deepened divisions, with the government exploiting these fractures to secure Hindu votes, consolidating power, and forcing Muslims into ghettos with deteriorating socio-economic conditions.

Gujarat’s 4.62 million migrants (2011 Census) highlight Modi’s failure to create local jobs, causing demographic shifts and economic strain. Migrants flocked to Gujarat from neglected southern states, attracted by a “growth story” that failed to deliver promised opportunities.

Also See: The Rise of Hindutva Fascism and the Indian Muslims

Global Reactions and Long-Term Legacy

Under Modi, India faces global criticism for targeting minorities, with increased violence against Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. International reports expose rising atrocities, persecution, and the use of violence and sectarian tactics to maintain power. India is now ruled by a fascist state, neglecting human rights and religious freedom.

Despite the passage of time, the Gujarat riots remain a subject of debate in India’s political and social landscape. While legal proceedings have addressed some cases, many survivors still seek closure. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing governance, justice, and communal harmony in a diverse democracy like India. Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry persist, with state-sponsored terrorism against Muslims continuing since independence.

As the legacy of the 2002 riots continues to shape India’s socio-political landscape, the broader implications of the state’s failure to ensure justice and accountability raise concerns about the erosion of India’s secular fabric and its future as a pluralistic democracy.