Togadia summoned by Gujarat riot probe panel

GANDHINAGAR - The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2002 post-Godhra riots has summoned Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Praveen Togadia, sources close to him said here Sunday.

According to the sources, the SIT summons were faxed to Togadia’s Delhi office. He has been asked to appear before the probe panel here within a week from April 19.

Togadia, however, is reported to be in Jammu and is not expected to return to Gujarat at least in the next three days. ”The earliest he may appear before the SIT - if he so decides - is close to the end of the deadline,” a source close to him said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was questioned last month by the SIT.

Sources said after Modi’s grilling, Gujarat assembly speaker Ashok Bhatt and Minister of State for Home Amit Shah have also reportedly appeared before the SIT.