NEW DELHI: A 55-year-old convict in the 2002 Godhra train carnage case, Salim Zarda, who had absconded after jumping parole in September 2023, was arrested in Maharashtra’s Pune district for theft on January 22.
Zarda, who had previously jumped parole eight times, was among the 31 persons convicted in the Godhra train burning case that killed 59 people.
Zarda was released on a seven-day parole from a Gujarat prison on September 17, 2023, but failed to return. He was arrested along with his gang members for their involvement in multiple thefts across rural Pune.
“We arrested him and his gang members on January 22 for their involvement in thefts across rural Pune. During the investigation, his connection to the Godhra train carnage case came to light,” said Inspector Dinesh Tayde of Alephata police station.
The case dates back to February 27, 2002, when the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express was burnt at Godhra in Gujarat, triggering riots in the state.
“Zarda was among the 11 persons sentenced to death, but the Gujarat High Court later commuted their sentences to life imprisonment,” Inspector Tayde explained.
Zarda and his associates were caught for stealing 40 tyres worth Rs 2.49 lakh from a stationary truck on January 7. The police have recovered stolen articles and a tempo truck valued at Rs 14.4 lakh.
“Zarda and his associates used to operate in Pune and nearby districts, carrying out thefts,” Tayde added.
The gang was also connected to similar thefts in Manchar area of Pune and Sinnar in Nashik.
Pankaj Deshmukh, Superintendent of Police, Pune rural, confirmed that the accused has been transferred to Nashik rural police for a theft case registered at Sinnar police station.
“We will seek his custody again for a theft case registered at Manchar police station,” Deshmukh stated.
Of the 31 persons convicted in the Godhra train carnage case, 11 were initially sentenced to death, while 20 received life terms. The death sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment by the Gujarat High Court.
