2002 Gujarat riots

The 2002 Gujarat riots were a series of violent communal riots that erupted in the Indian state of Gujarat, following the Sabarmati Express train burning incident in Godhra on February 27, 2002, which resulted in the deaths of 59 Hindu passengers. The subsequent violence lasted for several days, primarily affecting Muslims, and resulted in widespread atrocities, including killings, arson, and sexual violence. Official estimates report around 1,000 deaths, with a significant majority being Muslims, alongside extensive displacement. The riots drew national and international condemnation, raising concerns about state complicity and the failure of law enforcement. The aftermath sparked extensive debates over India’s communal relations and state accountability, influencing political and social dynamics in the region.