Gundewar report will be ready by August 15

MUMBAI, July 21: The inquiry report of the Gundewar Commission probing the July 11, 1997, police firing in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar will be complete by August 15.

Eleven persons died in the July 11 firing, following which the Commission was established on July 16 last year. The total number of witnesses deposing before the Commission was 62, including 26 public witnesses and 22 police department officials. Around 134 affidavits were filed, of which 96 were by the public and 38 by the police.

The main terms of reference of the Commission was to assess whether the reaction of the mob on July 11 to the desecration of Dr Ambedkar’s statue was spontaneous or pre-planned, and also if the police firing was excessive or justified. Lastly, the Commission is to suggest measures to prevent such outbreaks in the future.