Zakia Jafri, who relentlessly pursued justice for her late husband, Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, and the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots, passed away today in Ahmedabad. Ehsan Jafri was among the 69 individuals tragically killed in the Gulberg Society during the riots, reported the LiveLaw.
Zakia Jafri spent years seeking accountability from high-ranking state functionaries, alleging a larger conspiracy behind the riots. Her legal battle was a significant chapter in the fight for justice for the victims. After the Special Investigation Team (SIT) gave a clean chit to 63 individuals, including then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi and other officials, Zakia Jafri filed a protest petition in the Magistrate Court. When the court rejected her petition, she approached the Gujarat High Court, which accepted the SIT’s closure report in 2017.
In June 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed her petition, upholding the SIT’s clean chit to the high-ranking officials. The Court also made controversial remarks about her co-petitioner, Teesta Setalvad, who was subsequently arrested by the Gujarat Police on charges of fabricating evidence. Setalvad was later granted bail by the Supreme Court.
Following her passing, Teesta Setalvad paid tribute to Zakia Jafri on social media, writing: “Zakia Appa, a compassionate leader of the human rights community, passed away just 30 minutes ago! Her visionary presence will be missed by the nation, family, friends, and the world! Tanveernhai, Nishrin, Duraiyaappa, grandkids, we are with you! Rest in Power and Peace, Zakia Appa!”
Zakia Jafri’s fight for justice will be remembered as an inspiring example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
