Gujarat minister declared absconder in riot case

The Special Investigation Team probing post-Godhra riots cases on Monday declared Gujarat Minister of State for Higher Education Mayaben Kodanani as an absconder in the Naroda Patia riot case.

"We have issued her a summon on January 29 and 31, but she didn't turn up," a senior official in SIT, who is investigating the case, told PTI.

He added that SIT officials had gone to her official residence in the ministerial enclave, her personal residence in Ahmedabad and her office, but she was not found to be present at any of the location. She has also switched off her phone, the official added. "So today, we have declared her as an absconder and she may be facing arrest," a senior official in SIT, who is investigating the case, told PTI.

Kodanani is accused in the Naroda Patia riot case as well as the Naroda Gam riot case which the SIT is probing. Meanwhile, Kodanani has approached the city sessions court seeking anticipatory bail.

"She has gone to the court for anticipatory bail," said the SIT official. When asked about her arrest, he said that its a matter of time and depends on the court. "We will try to arrest her as soon as possible," he said.

It may be noted that Dr Kodanani, a three-time Member of Legislative Assembly from Naroda assembly constituency, was interrogated by the SIT officials in December last year. The SIT was appointed by the Supreme Court to re-investigate some of the post Godhra riot cases.