On February 27, 2002, a disturbing incident occurred in Godhra, Gujarat, where a train known as the Sabarmati Express was set on fire by a group of individuals, resulting in the deaths of 59 people, predominantly Hindu pilgrims. The train was returning from a religious pilgrimage to Ayodhya, a site of immense significance for Hindus. Prior to the burning, there had been heightened tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities in the area, stemming from various incidents and political sentiments that had been brewing over the years. Witnesses reported that the mob attacked the train after it stopped at the Godhra station, throwing stones, and subsequently igniting the carriages.Following the attack, the incident triggered widespread communal riots across Gujarat, marking one of the most violent episodes in the state's contemporary history. The Gujarat government faced severe criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to significant political repercussions. Many believed that the response of local officials and law enforcement catalyzed the retaliatory violence that followed the incident, leading to large-scale carnage, destruction of property, and displacement of communities. The aftermath of the Godhra train burning saw the country polarized along communal lines, and debates about identity, citizenship, and state responsibility took center stage in the political discourse of the time.