2002 riots: Gujarat Minister declared absconder

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Ahmedabad: She is missing in office, and she is not at home either. Gujarat Minister of State for Women and Child Welfare, Maya Kodnani has been missing since the Special Investigation Team (SIT) declared her an absconder for not responding to a summons to depose in the Naroda Patia massacre case.

The Opposition now demands that she be sacked immediately.

Congress Leader Arjun Modhvadia says, "It's her duty to resign or the Chief Minister must drop her. But in Gujarat, half of the ministers have sponsored riots, so we don't expect much."

The SIT has evidence from Kodnani's mobile phone records that she was in touch with VHP and Bajrang leaders during the 2002 riots.

She was issued summons, twice each in December and January but she did not appear. She was officially declared an absconder on February 1. Kodnani then immediately filed for anticipatory bail, which it comes up for hearing on Thursday.

The ruling BJP is meanwhile trying hard to deflect all demands for her removal.

State Revenue Minister, Anandiben Patel says, "She has spoken already. I do not know where she is."

BJP Spokesperson Jaynarayan Vyas adds, "At this juncture, the legal process is on therefore it does not warrant any action of any kind at this point of time."

Minister Mayaben Kodnani is clearly untraceable and it now remains to be seen if the SIT can locate and arrest her before her bail application comes up for hearing on Thursday.