Ahmedabad: Among the 32 convicted in the Naroda-Patia massacre, 10 are
members of the Chhara community. A member of the same community has,
however, been hailed as a saviour of Muslims.
Sunil Tamaiche, 44, was conferred the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 2003 for saving the lives of more than 100 Muslims in Naroda on the day one of the biggest massacres took place in the aftermath of the Godhra train burning.
Tamaiche knew quite well that he too was not safe for sheltering Muslims in Chharanagar, particularly when members of his community were allegedly involved in the violence that killed 97. He had the support of his neighbours, but the mood was not the same in Mahajaniya Vaas that is adjacent to the small Muslim community living near Naroda Patia.
Tamaiche does not believe the Chharas could have been so violent. But half of the 61 accused tried by a special SIT court belong to the community. Five other accused from this community passed away during the trial.
Sunil Tamaiche, 44, was conferred the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 2003 for saving the lives of more than 100 Muslims in Naroda on the day one of the biggest massacres took place in the aftermath of the Godhra train burning.
Tamaiche knew quite well that he too was not safe for sheltering Muslims in Chharanagar, particularly when members of his community were allegedly involved in the violence that killed 97. He had the support of his neighbours, but the mood was not the same in Mahajaniya Vaas that is adjacent to the small Muslim community living near Naroda Patia.
Tamaiche does not believe the Chharas could have been so violent. But half of the 61 accused tried by a special SIT court belong to the community. Five other accused from this community passed away during the trial.
