Godhra train carnage: Gujarat ATS arrests main conspirator Farooq Bhana

In a major development, Farooq Bhana, the main conspirator in the Godhra train burning case, has been nabbed by Gujarat ATS. He had been absconding since 2002.

He is accused of playing the key role in setting fire to Sabarmati Express train in which 59 persons were killed at Godhra railway station on February 27, 2002.

According to reports, Bhana was arrested from Kalol in Panchmahal district where a surreptitious meeting with his family members was to be held.

On February 27, 2002 as many as 59 lives were claimed after coach number S-6 of Sabarmati Express train was torched by a mob at Godhra railway station.

In 2011, a special court had pronounced the death penalty for 11 convicted in the case and gave a life sentence to 20 other accused.

According to media reports, special judge PR Patel had termed the case as 'rarest of rare'.

"The court looking into their active role in the conspiracy and setting afire the S6 coach of Sabarmati Express train near Godhra, gave death penalty to 11 people," public prosecutor JM Panchal had said after the verdict was announced.

The convicts have filed an appeal in the Gujarat High Court against the trial court's order. The verdict is awaited.

-With ANI inputs