Naroda Patiya convict who jumped bail gets 31-yr jail term

An absconding convict in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riot case was sentenced to 31 years rigorous imprisonment by a special court here on Friday.

The convict, Suresh Netalkar alias Shehzad, will join 31 others, including former BJP minister Maya Kodnani and Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, in prison for the massacre of 97 persons.

Netalkar, who had jumped bail and was arrested on Thursday from Nandurbar (Maharashtra), was termed as the "main conspirator" by special judge Jyotsana Yagnik.

The court sentenced Netalkar to 21 years life imprisonment for murder (IPC Section 302), after spending 10 years in jail for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means (IPC Section 326).

Netalkar was among 32 accused who were held guilty under various sections of IPC, including murder and conspiracy, in the verdict announced on August 31. The quantum of punishment for Netalkar had been reserved by the court since he was absconding.

When the judge pulled up Netalkar for jumping bail, he broke down in the court and said, "I did this for my family as I had some responsibility to marry off my daughter. But I was about to come back."

ALSO READ

Army to record evidence against TA man in custody

Six Rajasthan hill forts figure in UNESCO World Heritage List

Haryana man tries to 'sell' 3 daughters, arrested

Boy dies after teacher 'hits' him