LAST July Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi threw a challenge to all his opponents that if he was found guilty of being involved in the 2002 Gujarat riots, he should be hanged in public.

Modi is widely blamed for his role (or inaction) during the riots for turning a blind eye, giving a free hand to rioters for several days, good enough to murder thousands of people and destroy businesses and properties of the minority.

He has refused to apologise for riots so far. Instead, he has blamed that those asking for apology are fanning trouble and hatred.

In the backdrop of a clean chit given to Modi by the Supreme Court’s special investigation team, there was a news report that former BJP minister Maya Kodnani has been held guilty in the Naroda Patiya massacre case. She is the first MLA to be convicted of murder, conspiracy and of provoking riots in the worst-ever massacre in Indian history.

Perhaps the hangman’s knot is slowly getting tightened around Modi’s neck. It is a matter of moral responsibility and one day a direct responsibility may also be proved against him. Till then, we need to keep track of Modi’s promise to be hanged if found guilty.

MASOOD KHAN Jubail, Saudi Arabia