Ahmedabad: A trial court has convicted six persons while acquitting four others in a post-Godhra riot case from Viramgam taluka of the district. Three persons of the minority community had been killed in the incident, nine years ago.
Additional Sessions Judge D B Patel on Tuesday awarded life sentences to two accused - Bhopa Bharwad and Bachuji Ranchhodji, and sentenced Vithal alias Kuchio to ten years in prison.
Vahala Ghela and Mula Ghela were awarded five years` sentences, while Mera Ghela was given a four years` sentence.
Advocate Altaf Sheikh, the lawyer for the victims` kin, said all the six had been convicted for charges related to the murder of Imran Bhati, Jumma Bhati and Haider Bhati at the Zorawarpir`s shrine near Viramgam on February 28, 2002.
Out of the seven eye-witnesses, five turned hostile at the trial, which began only in 2009.
Trial of two other riot-related cases is pending in the court, Sheikh said.