Former CBI Official Rakesh Asthana Rejects Sonia Gandhi Memoir Godhra Claims

Former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana has strongly rejected a passage in Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', which described the cause of the 2002 Godhra train fire as disputed. Asthana, who investigated the tragic incident, stated that forensic evidence conclusively established the cause and the findings were proven in a court of law. He further asserted that continuing to raise doubts about the investigation is being done strictly for political reasons. The February 2002 Godhra train burning involved the Sabarmati Express carrying Hindu karsevaks, resulting in the deaths of 59 people and triggering widespread state riots.