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This is an archive article published on October 8, 2003

145;Where146;s relief VHP promised?146;

Driven by frustration, a feeling of being let down, families of Godhra carnage victims are now speaking out against the VHP. The most vocal ...

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Driven by frustration, a feeling of being let down, families of Godhra carnage victims are now speaking out against the VHP.

The most vocal of the lot is Girish Raval, who suffered a double blow 8212; first he lost his wife in the train attack, then his son was stabbed to death in the post-Godhra riots. At 82, he has a daughter-in-law, Bela, and a granddaughter to take care of.

8216;8216;The VHP took my wife and others to Ayodhya and could not ensure their safety. After the incident they promised to compensate us. Post-elections, they have cold-shouldered us. Where is the money they collected for us?8217;8217; he asks.

Sharad Mhatre, who lost his wife in the attack, says: 8216;8216;The VHP is planning another yatra8230; I don8217;t want other people to meet the same fate as my wife. I8217;m also unhappy at the paltry compensation. The VHP has left Godhra victims8217; families to their fate.8217;8217; These families have been paid government compensation of Rs 1 lakh from the state government and Rs 50,000 from the PM8217;s fund for each victim.

VHP state general-secretary Dr Jaideep Patel says: 8216;8216;Families that lost breadwinners have received maximum help from us. They are well taken care of. Ask them about what we have done. I don8217;t understand the complaints of these families.8217;8217;

 

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