Rafik Bhatuk, Prime Accused In Godhra Train Burning Case, Nabbed By Gujarat Police After 19 Years

Rafik Bhatuk, a prime accused in the 2002 Godhra Sabarmati Express massacre, has been nabbed by Gujarat police after absconding for over 19 years, reports Times of India.

Bhatuk had recently returned to the state after staying outside for a considerable period of time. He has been one of the prime accused of dosing the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express with petrol before it was set ablaze by others, which resulted in the gruesome death of 59 karsevaks who were returning from Ayodhya.

“We have arrested the prime accused in 2002 Godhra train burning case after 19 years. He was working at different construction sites in Delhi," Dr Leena Patil, SP of Panchmahal was quoted by ANI as saying.

Reportedly, there are three other prime accused who are yet to be arrested. Salim Panwala and Shaukat Charkha are two of them. However, the duo is believed to be in Pakistan currently and a Red Corner Notice has been registered against them.