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| Thursday, 23 October 2003 |
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Muslim attacked by mob after giving evidence on Gujarat riots AHMEDABAD, India, Wednesday (AFP) A Muslim man was attacked by a mob after giving evidence to an inquiry into last year's sectarian riots in India's western state of Gujarat. Rehmanbhai Shakoorbhai Sayyed, 40, said he was attacked late Monday with swords and daggers by over 20 people outside his shop on the outskirts of Ahmedabad city, Gujarat's commercial capital. Sayyed, who was left with cuts and bruises on his legs, hands and back, was assaulted despite 24-hour security provided by the state government for many victims of the riots. He had earlier this month made a statement condemning the anti-riot State Reserve Police before the judges of the Nanavati Commission which is probing the communal riots which hit Gujarat in March last year. "About 20 people attacked me with swords and daggers. They told me that I had endangered my life by deposing before the Nanavati Commission and if I entered the court one more time, I would be killed. It is very obvious they are trying to scare others who still have to give their statement before the court," said Sayyed. More than 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in last year's riots in Gujarat which started after a train carrying Hindu activists was set ablaze, leaving 59 dead. "I have told judges the that the police had purposely goaded three of my sons towards the rioting mob, which burnt them alive," he said. Sayyed said after attacking him the mob threatened other Muslims in his housing colony. "It was very terrifying, but this will not deter us from going to the court," said Sharifa Iqbal Shaikh, 40, who is due to give evidence before the commission. Police said they were looking for Sayyed's attackers. "We have not arrested the attackers as they are absconding. As soon as we get their whereabouts, we will arrest them," said investigating officer B.R. Machi. |
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