The wise study history, but only the rebellious change it.
And I had walked on the path of wise and rebellious.
Your honour, under Section 2C, Section 170, Section 153A, and 499,
Mr Samar Kumar has been accused of serious allegations.
The first allegation against him
is of trying to reinvestigate a major accident
which occurred five years ago, in 2002.
Without any legal permission or rights.
That's not all.
He tampered with the facts associated with the incident that occurred five years ago,
and tried to mislead the eyewitnesses.
He also tried to sensationalise the news,
without caring about the fact that his actions
could have led to a feud between two communities.
And to execute his illegal and reckless actions,
chose a reputed news channel like EBT News.
He misused the reputation of EBT News,
which is why the EBT New channel has filed this case of defamation.
Where is the accused?
- Sir, he is-- - May I come in, sir?
Come in.
- Samar, you are late. - Sorry. It's the rains...
Your honour, we demand the strictest punishment applicable
under the said section.
That includes a public apology.
Your honour, these cases are fabricated.
- Unnecessarily... - Your honour,
a public apology is fine with me.
- What? - It's alright.
And a fine of 20 million rupees.
Great. That's even better. Even that works for me.
- Samar, let me speak. - You sit. I'll handle this.
Will a week be enough for you to arrange the said items?
Me?
- But, your honour... - Please stand in the accused box and speak.
Sorry.
Your honour, why would I arrange these things?
The apology and money should be their responsibility. The accused.
They had done false reporting.
- False reporting? - Yes.
Who are you talking about?
The incident that occurred five years ago, your honour,
and they never let the truth come out.
The truth that is anxious to come out for the past five years.
The truth that's frozen still at Godhra Station even after five years.
Because someone pulled the chain if that truth.
What truth are you talking about?
The truth about my country.
The truth about two communities, which coexisted.
A train that departed from Ayodhya on 25th February,
was going to change everything.
"Glory to King Ram..."
Over there. It's getting late.
- Where is Mansukh bhai? - Don't know.
- Which bogie is it? - S6.
Mom, food.
This is soil from the birthplace of Lord Ram.
It's for smearing on the forehead.
Here.
"Glory to King Ram..."
Is this the one?
Come on, let's go.
Neither the country nor the passengers on the train had any intimation,
that this journey of few hours was going to be remembered by history.
Don't come so close to me.
I will destroy you.
I am ready to be destroyed.
Sir... sir...
Sir, all your movies have such soulful music in them.
Where do you get the inspiration for that?
It's actually the story that makes the music.
Sir. Your heroine in the film is dead.
She is a spirit. Why is she still wearing lipstick?
Sadly, Hindi journalism is also dead.
You should also apply some lipstick.
After that question, he won't get his picture clicked with your girlfriend.
She is going to be mad at you.
It's my fault.
Shouldn't have asked in the first place.
I am not even a starstruck person. I could have told my father.
He would have introduced me anyway.
Sorry, Shloka.
I thought I could get your picture clicked with that star.
- But that English journalist... - Samar, it's fine.
It's okay. Really.
I know Hindi reporters don't get much respect.
I am still dating you because I love you.
It's just that I specially dressed up for this. Make-up and all.
So, it was a mood spoiler.
I really am sorry, Shloka. I will make out (up) for this.
What's it gonna be? Lunch at Moti Mahal?
You mean make up.
You are too cute.
You are the cutest.
You know I attended Hindi medium school.
And boys from Hindi medium
only think about English-speaking courses.
Not an English-speaking girlfriend.
But I got one. See.
Believe me, times will change...
for us and for Hindi.
Twenty missed calls from the office?
- Check. - Yes.
Hello. It's Samar Kumar...
Hello, sir.
Yes, sir.
No, sir...
Now?
Yes, sir. I am on my way.
What happened?
I think better days are ahead of us, Shloka.
They are calling me urgently. Something big has happened.
Go.
I'll call back when I am free.
Go safely.
September 11, 2001.
The day the world will never forget.
The day that changed the world, more than the last decade.
When the biggest superpower was brought to an abrupt and shocking halt
when the terror attack struck the Twin Towers.
Joining me today, Manika Rajpurohit,
is honourable diplomat Mr Brian, here at the US High Commission.
Sir, tell us.
What is the stance that the US government holds today on terrorism?
Our stance is very simple.
The US won't tolerate any threat to its citizens,
and take the necessary steps to liquidate the problem.
Is that why there is an undeniable increase in the profiling and prejudice
against certain communities and races?
What's your source of claim?
I am only just repeating what your senators have been saying in Congress...
Excuse me.
What are you doing, Becky?
Sorry. Raman sir called and said you have to get back to the office. Urgently.
I am in the middle of an interview.
Please leave.
As I was saying, I am a diplomat representing US foreign interests.
What Congress does is none of my business?
Reports also claim that the perpetrators of 9/11 were trained
before and after the Cold War by the US Military.
I am sure, sir. That is your business.
It's okay. You can take your time. It's not live.
- Just give me a bit. - Sure.
Let's go, Becky.
Ma'am, the rest of the interview?
He's not coming back.
Every nation faces a moment in destiny,
which alters the country's political history.
For America, it was 9/11.
For Spain, it was the explosion in commuter train in 2004
For Iran, it was the cinema houses that were set on fire in 1978.
And for our nation, a similar moment came knocking on our doors.
I was having a very interesting conversation with the US Ambassador.
Is this more important than 9/11?
I am afraid it might be.
Big news coming in from a small town of Godhra from Gujarat.
As per sources, a train in Godhra station has caught fire.
We haven't received much information yet,
but as per sources that the train, Sabarmati Express,
was enroute to Gujarat through Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
There is a signal attached to Godhra Station. Signal Falia,
where the incident took place.
It's being said that the sleeper coach number S6 caught fire in the morning.
The number of dead and injured have not been confirmed yet.
Fire brigade, ambulance and other groups are present at the spot.
The police has cordoned the entire area.
We would like to remind the viewers that the train is Sabarmati Express,
which caught fire in the morning.
We will keep updating you every minute about this incident.
Stay connected with us for more information.
Rajiv, I need a local correspondent at Godhra.
Becky, first flight out.
And I need a camera operator who can accompany me from here.
I want whatever I say to be translated as it is in our Hindi bulletin.
- I have already arranged someone. - Good.
One news had shocked the entire nation.
But for me, this news became a medium
of transition from the reel world to the real world.
And also handling the camera in English journalism.
Mr Samar Kumar.
Yes.
Sir, you have been upgraded.
You can now go to the business class. That side.
Hello, madam.
Samar Kumar.
Which beat do you cover?
Film beat.
Look, Samar, this place that we're going...
We'll be in the heart of real chaos.
I'll constantly be on the move.
Keep catching up. Keep rolling. Don't miss a beat.
Yes.
Madam, thank you for planting (putting) your faith into me.
I do not have words to express my thank you.
I hope I fulfil and live up to your... journalistic excellence standard.
"Yours faithfully, with regards." You missed that.
- Did you do a course in media? - Yes, madam.
From IIMC, Delhi.
What do they teach there? What is news?
Yes.
What is news?
Making the public aware of current events?
Is Bofors a current event?
It's not.
And it is still on the news.
Why don't you tell me what news is?
News is the truth...
that you choose to bring out.
It's that simple.
Honour to be working with you, ma'am.
- The drive to Godhra is two hours? - Yes, ma'am.
- Get me there in one (hour). - Yes, ma'am.
We thought this was a matter of least importance
but this has become a hot topic of discussion all over the country.
Accidents don't come with a warning,
but we can change this problem into an opportunity.
Down down...
Down with the state government!
- Roll the camera. - Yes.
One second. Move a side. Please.
Excuse me. One second.
CM ma'am.
Ma'am, one minute.
Samar, keep rolling. Madam CM.
Madam.
Railways is quiet. The state hasn't released any statement.
Are you also going to give us an excuse that the investigation is still on?
The incident that's occurred is of enormous magnitude. Many are injured.
Should we cater to them first or answer your questions?
- Why is the media being blocked out? - Driver, let's go.
Ma'am. Ma'am. You have to answer us.
Damn it. I am going inside. Samar, follow me.
[indistinct shouting]
Come forward.
Madam has appealed to the opposition to maintain peace.
But if you let the sitting CM continue then it can lead to a problem.
It's a sensitive matter.
You are sensitive to us, Mr Seths.
You have been losing the state elections consecutively for three times.
Think of it as your last opportunity.
We'll need fire extinguishers.
- Are you locals? - Yes.
What happened here? How did the fire start?
By the time we got here, the fire had already died down.
And why is this place littered with bricks? They seem out of place.
There was a struggle here.
- Struggle? - Yes.
- Before or after the fire broke out? - Before.
I have spoken to my sources.
This was not an accident.
The locals are involved.
But that's our core vote bank. We will have to downplay this.
This matter deserves to be amplified.
Look, Manika ji. The train was enroute from Ayodhya.
A crowd appeared from nowhere
and suddenly started pelting stones.
By the time we got here, both the bogies were totally burnt.
What happened to the other compartments?
They left.
- What do you mean left? - The police sent the train to Ahmedabad.
Meaning the fire did not spread to the other compartments.
I don't know, sir.
We know it was an attack.
But what if we call it an accident and blame the state government?
That would make people furious
because the truth was hidden from them.
People will take to the streets.
It can cause communal riots.
The entire blame would be on the sitting CM.
Elections in a couple of months.
The state would be ours and I'll be the CM.
Good.
Raman Talwar from EBT News is on the line.
I am sure you know him.
Don't worry. He can be of use to us.
This is our golden opportunity. Don't disappoint me!
Samar. Set up the camera. Let's roll.
Madam. I spoke to a few people here.
The fire only broke out in two bogies. S6 and S7.
The rest of the train was unscathed, and was sent forward.
Different people have different narratives.
Something is being concealed from us.
Madam, I don't think the fire was an accident.
It was deliberate.
Roll the camera. I am ready to record.
Hi, Raman.
I got it.
- Samar, you are ready? - Ready, madam.
Samar, go there.
Roll.
Emerging report of a horrific train fire
coming from the quaint town of Godhra, Gujarat.
As many as 59 passengers, most of them Kar Sevaks,
have unfortunately died.
According to locals and multiple sources, running about four hours late
the train met with an accident,
when two of its bogies S6 and S7 caught fire.
Theories range from fire mishaps to electrical short circuit.
But what lies absolutely exposed,
is the failure on the part of the authorities, to handle this accident.
The accident also raises a question on the railway security.
Why were the bogies overcrowded
and why were so many passengers travelling, without a ticket?
Samar.
Tension has broken down in Ahmedabad. I have to go.
Get to Delhi with the tape.
The tape has to get there, okay.
- Okay. - Manika madam. The car is ready.
As many as 59 passengers,
most of them Kar Sevaks, have unfortunately died.
the train met with an accident when two of its bogies S6 and S7 caught fire.
Theories range from fire...
Both the bogies completely burned. No one survived.
There was an atmosphere of restlessness in Gujarat.
The Civil Hospital was in utter chaos.
People were searching for their loved ones.
While they...
Someone check on him.
Do something, doctor. My son.
The train suddenly caught fire.
There was smoke everywhere.
I lost consciousness.
Someone pulled the chain in our bogie.
The men standing outside were carrying rods and bamboos.
We tried to escape from the window
But my daughter Rupa got caught in the fire
Have you seen my mother?
I want my mom and dad.
The airport.
I can't go to the airport. Riots can erupt any second, sir.
I have to go home.
How can you not go? We booked this car.
The company paid you in advance.
You can keep the money, sir.
People were burned alive. This is not a joke.
Okay... keep the money.
Let's go as far as you can.
Come on, hurry up.
Hit him.
Get down, sir. Riots have broken out.
Anything can happen, sir.
For your own good, sir. Get down.
Get him.
Go after him.
Break his car.
Run away.
Hit him. Hit him.
Where the hell have you been?
Sir.
Put this into process... immediately.
- Yes. - Fast.
Team. Get ready.
- Manika's tape is here. - How did you get injured?
On my way...
- What I was telling you... - Sir.
Sir.
- What? - I have another tape.
Another tape?
It's mine, sir. I shot this.
Just take a look, please.
Okay, let's watch it.
Suddenly, the train caught fire.
There was smoke everywhere.
I was unconscious.
We tried to escape from the window.
But my daughter Rupa got caught in the fire
The fire wasn't accidental, sir. It was deliberate.
Rajiv. This is brilliant work.
We should be proud that we have a brave journalist on our team.
We will definitely play this tape.
Right, Samar. Can you speak in English?
No, sir. But I am really good with Hindi.
No problem. We need a Hindi program.
We will do it in Hindi.
- Thank you, sir. - Mishra ji, keep this tape safe with you.
Absolutely.
So you were saying you sent the tape. But how will that help?
See for yourself.
You'll be proud of me, Shloka.
Emerging report of a horrific train fire
coming from the quaint town of Godhra, Gujarat.
As many as 59 passengers,
most of them Kar Sevaks, have unfortunately died.
Theories range from fire mishaps
to electrical short circuits.
But what lies absolutely exposed,
is the failure on the part of the authorities, to handle this accident.
Why were the bogies overcrowded
and why were so many passengers travelling, without a ticket?
This is Manika Rajpurohit with cameraman Samar Kumar,
from ground zero in Godhra, Gujarat.
What is this?
The person you are trying to reach is unable to take your call.
I'll be right back, Shloka.
Where are you going, Samar?
Guys, the TRPs are going to hit the roof, so let's celebrate.
Hi, Amar. Good you are here. Come, come. He was part of the team.
He needs to celebrate with us. Come.
- Come on, Samar. - My name is Samar.
Sorry.
Sorry, but you still have to celebrate. Come on.
What have you done, sir?
What?
What are you showing the world?
Who said it was an accident?
What happened?
Why didn't you play my tape, sir?
Last night, you said you would play my tape.
You have seen it, sir. You know it wasn't an accident.
The evidence is there in my tape. Why didn't you play it?
Why are you showing lies?
Woah. Who the hell are you to question my reporting?
Reporting?
This is your reporting?
You call this reporting.
What did we see out there, and what are you showing here?
And who said the fire was deliberate?
- She was there, sir. She knows everything. - Calm down.
And now... it's an accident?
You people are peddling lies.
You all know that.
- What you're doing is wrong. - Samar, listen to me.
- You are confused... - Yes, sir. I am confused.
First, I was confused about how one person could burn another person alive.
What confuses me now is
why are you taking away the only right of the dead and departed?
Can we go inside?
No, I want to talk right here.
First, tell me where my tape is.
- Come. Come inside and talk. - Where is my tape?
- Mishra ji. Where is my tape? - Samar, let's sit and talk.
- They gave you my tape. - Come. Come inside. We can sit and talk.
I don't want to talk to you.
- You won't utter a word! - Why, sir?
- Please. Get back to work. - What did I say wrong?
You said you would play the tape. Then why didn't you?
- Security. Come up. - This is my office, it's my decision.
My prerogative.
- But I want answers, sir. - No.
- I want answers. - No, you don't.
- Why? - Shut up!
You come into my domain, my territory, and trying to teach us about journalism.
I'll tell you what journalism is.
Journalism is not just about facts. It's about context and balance.
- There are protocols... - Hey, stop this lecture of yours. Enough.
I don't understand a word.
And screaming in English won't turn lies into facts.
Even I know no knowledge comes above innocent lives.
What have you done?
The entire nation believes every word you say.
And you are selling lies?
It was an accident. Was it an accident?
What you saw in Godhra with me an accident?
I want to know...
were you bribed?
Raman, he can't talk to me like this.
Tell me. Why are you talking to him?
- Talk to me. - This is indecent.
- I can't tolerate this. - How much power do you crave?
Shut up!
- Throw him out. - Don't touch me.
I just want my tape.
That tape is EBT News property. Understand?
- How can it be EBT News property? - Take him away.
- Throw him out. - It's my tape.
- Sir, please get out. - That is my tape.
Bloody liars. Thieves.
You downplayed the truth about Godhra.
One day, people will demand answers.
Mishra ji, I know the tape is safe with you.
Hold on to it.
The truth will be revealed one day.
Give it to someone who will bring the truth to light.
Let's go.
- You've been summoned. - What's wrong?
- Book him. - What is wrong?
You have been accused of stealing.
Swindled a camera from the office.
Let's go.
Hey you, get up.
You got bail.
Thanks a lot for today, Shloka.
There is no telling what they would have done if you hadn't shown up.
They accused me of stealing. Imagine that.
Can you believe I would steal a camera?
We cannot meet anymore.
This is the last time we are meeting.
Raman uncle is a close family friend.
Do you understand, Samar?
Papa has clearly told me to stop meeting you. I don't...
Stop the car.
Stop the car, Shloka. Stop.
I don't want to cause you any more trouble.
Take care.
"Life has frozen... between you and me."
Sorry, Samar. Sir can't meet you today.
"Hold on to me, love."
Sorry, sir. You don't match the profile we're looking for.
Congratulations, Samar.
Excuse me.
Hello.
Yes, sir. Okay, sir.
"Hold on to me, my love."
"Fill this gap between that you see."
"Your eyes, your voice,"
"every breath you take casts a spell on me."
"You make my heart beat,"
"in you my heaven I see."
"Life has frozen... between you and me."
One half, please.
"Hold on to me, love."
Quarter then.
"Fill this gap between that you see."
"The days I didn't hear about you,"
- Money... - "I spent my nights crying."
"Life has frozen... between you and me."
My country and I were going through our worst phase.
Ground zero of life.
The fire that was burning this country, had destroyed me completely.
We were suffering for someone else's mistake.
We were shattered.
But we both forgot one thing.
When someone hits rock bottom,
the only place to go next is up.
My country began to rise again.
Rise up with its head held high.
The winds changed direction.
And along with it, changed the face of my country.
New measures, new ideas, new aspirations.
Nothing was like it previously was.
The ground zero we fell in soon became our identity.
Five years went by in the blink of an eye,
and an official report was released on Sabarmati,
which called this an accident.
EBT extensively promoted this report
and also fiercely published about the incidents that followed.
But never uttered a word about Sabarmati again.
As a result of their silence on the Sabarmati case,
EBT received international funds.
And their office grew bigger, just like the fake news they showed.
Thank you.
Cheers.
By the way, I heard Manika is secretly dating that young minister?
- The sport's minister? - Yeah.
Oh my, God. He's so hot even in his 50s.
Aren't you the one that wets his bed every day?
What?
Exactly.
Had I said this publicly,
it would have spread like fire without proof.
She is where she is because of the guts she has,
and the way she reports from impossible situations.
Don't forget. She's her boss now.
I don't know if she's my boss.
But I'll be operating from the premise where Manika Rajpurohit operates from.
Isn't it amazing?
- That's amazing. - Yeah. Cheers.
Ma'am, sorry to disturb you,
but your program Cost Of War was simply amazing.
Actually, I was a small part of it. I did research as an intern.
Good for you.
Actually, ma'am, I have to tell you that
you are an idol for every girl in my college.
And they are so jealous of me that I got to work with you...
I mean at this place.
Fab. You've come to the right place.
EBT likes intelligent women.
Yes, ma'am.
By the way, ma'am. I am Amrita.
Don't bother. I won't remember.
Unless you do something great.
Can't imagine what happened today.
Me and Manika ma'am were in the same elevator.
Can you believe it?
Okay, let's see the prompter once.
- Amrita. - Yes, sir.
- Good work. Good work. - Fine. Scroll up.
- Should I give it to her? - Yes.
Okay, sir. Thank you.
Yeah, cool, cool, cool.
Is the chair okay, guys?
All the opposing points are in here. Bullet points.
So, if you need to go through it, it will help.
You learn fast.
Just following your footsteps, ma'am.
That's fab.
As you said in the meeting, take the...
Opposing point of view and crush it.
- Yes. - Good job.
- Thank you. - Thanks. Bye.
Going live in ten...
Yeah...
Ajit, I found a few points we need to add to the prompter.
Standby
Can someone take this file and give it to Ajeet?
Three... Two... One... Rolling!
Hello and welcome to EBT News.
This is our special coverage of the upcoming Gujarat state elections.
- With just a few weeks to go-- - Cut.
What happened? Raman. What's the problem?
Cut her mic.
Tell me.
Fortunately, we were not live-streaming.
We cannot mention Gujarat.
We are doing a whole segment on the Gujarat elections.
Right now, we will hold it. Okay.
Finish off other segments. We will discuss this later.
What possibly happened?
- We'll talk. - Sure.
Team, remove the whole chunk on the Gujarat elections, please.
Just remove that.
Okay, Raman. I need to ask you.
What were you saying about the Gujarat CM?
Why do we care about him so much suddenly?
An independent inquiry commission has been formed for Sabarmati
which will go against our report against the CM.
And you know whose side we were on that time.
Now we need to be on the good books of this man
because he's definitely coming in for another term.
So, till now we were hating on him, and now suddenly, we've to worship him.
There are no permanent allies or enemies in politics.
Why would he want to make friends with us?
Because we have grown big. We are a big channel now.
He needs us.
And if you have any other doubt, you can ask him directly.
Ask him directly?
Yeah. We're going to Gujarat to meet him.
What?
Gujarat was changing.
Top companies in the country were given opportunities to build factories.
This state is one of the most progressive states in the country.
It's the fastest growing.
It has a government that works.
A state that was running into losses worth 67 billion in 2002,
was in a profit of 18 billion in 2007.
The growth rate of Gujarat had climbed to 12 percent.
In those years, the development of Gujarat was ahead of every state.
EBT thought this was a great opportunity to have a meeting with the current government,
and put forth a hand of compromise and friendship.
This was like one of those meetings,
which the government and top news channels often had.
There is no mention of it in the pages of history.
But such meetings decide the narrative of the headlines tomorrow.
I can't believe I've decided to wear all this gota-patti.
And go to Gujarat.
There is a well-known proverb in Indian politics.
The train from the centre (Delhi) passes through Uttar Pradesh.
But, I have a strong feeling that, soon it will pass through Gujarat.
One can't even get whiskey out here.
It's a dry state.
I am here for that, ma'am.
You just need to fill out a small form.
Is it?
I've filled in your name. Just sign it.
What is it?
It's a government rule.
One can only get liquor here,
if you give in writing that you are addicted to it.
You just have to fill out this small boozer form...
Boozer.
Boozer means boozer, ma'am.
I know what boozer means.
Wait a second, ma'am?
Listen.
Do women need a different form?
- No... - I am okay with--
- Just give me the pen. - Okay.
EBT was pretty nervous about this meeting.
They expected the CM to show up personally.
But his representative showed up as the CM's voice.
[Regional song]
The meeting began on a positive note.
But as the meeting progressed, the air turned negative.
No one knows what happened in the meeting?
But as per rumours, certain things were said by EBT
that changed the course of the meeting.
EBT thought they had the power.
But the opposition was armed with the truth.
On that day, they realised that the lion wasn't there to make amends,
but to roar.
He wasn't there to conceal the truth, but rather expose it.
As the saying goes, one can get more than you expect in Gujarat.
As for water and you will get milk,
ask for love and you will get a warm hospitality,
but if you ask for booze, you will also get someone to make you sober
Can we please get out of this Gujarat?
Are we out or not?
Hurry up, Prahlad. Let's cross Gujarat.
Manika. I told you not to mess this up.
I didn't.
Do you have any idea who you have offended?
Great.
What happened?
I told you the independent judicial commission
might fast-track the report on Sabarmati.
And it's official now.
And this meeting with had with the CM, and the conditions in which it happened,
it's not good for us.
You know on whose side we were in 2002.
Second report.
Yes, they realised that the first report could be wrong.
So another report is being made.
The second report would be totally opposite of what we have shown.
The second report is going to state that it wasn't an accident.
The train was set on fire.
And that will kill our reputation.
- Yes. - No, it won't.
We just have to do something before this report comes out. That's it.
Do you have something in mind?
We will revisit our own report.
We'll take it one step further.
Please, Manika. Please explain.
Okay.
We will do another report on the Sabarmati incident.
But this time, we will focus on the state's failure.
We'll safeguard our reputation.
We'll divert the people's attention to the CM's failure.
Anyway, nobody in this country actually reads anything.
Nobody is going to actually read these reports.
But people are going to trust...
what we put on the television.
Not a bad idea. Not a bad idea.
When will you do the report?
I can't do it.
My reputation is also at stake along with EBT.
It will be a very high risk.
Then who will do it?
Someone whose reputation is not at stake.
Someone who is...
easily replaceable.
Ma'am, you called.
Come.
I want you to do a report on the five-year anniversary on the Sabarmati train tragedy.
Victim's families, survivors. Their condition.
How they are feeling ignored by the system?
Five years have gone by, nothing has changed.
The administration has done nothing.
They failed to help these people, and poor people are in jail.
- That's your story. - Yes, ma'am.
One second.
We're received official railway report on the incident.
For your reference, you have one week.
- Yes ma'am. - Okay?
Thank you, ma'am.
Running about four hours late the train met with an accident.
when two of its bogies, S6 & S7, caught fire.
... fire mishap to electrical short-circuit.
But what lies absolutely exposed is the failure on the part of the authorities
to handle this accident.
When we reached here, there is not a single officer on the spot.
Apart from the loss of lives, business and trade in Gujarat
has been suffering for the past two days.
- Hello. - Hello.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hi. It's me, Amrita Gill, from EBT News.
Okay.
I wanted to talk to you about the Sabarmati accident.
Hello... ?
Yes.
Hi, I actually wanted to speak to you on the Sabarmati...
- We don't want to talk about it. - Hello.
It was about the Sabarmati accident...
I have nothing to say.
The accident in Sabarmati...
- Why do you keep bothering us? - This is my first--
Mishra ji.
Do you have anything else on Sabarmati?
Give me some time, madam.
Some tapes were destroyed. But I made copies of it. Let me check.
Mishra ji, I know the tape is safe with you.
Hold on to it.
The truth will come to light someday.
Give it to someone who will bring the truth to light.
But my daughter Rupa got caught in the fire.
They were shouting, "Kill them, slaughter them".
[indistinct chatter]
No... I am not saying it. I'll do it in my own way.
Leave, guys.
Okay let's go.
Ma'am, I checked all the tapes about Sabarmati...
Ma'am, your coffee. Apologise for the delay.
Late is okay, but it shouldn't get cold.
Scroll up.
So I'll collate everything and show it to you.
Show me then. Leave. I need to go live, guys.
I am just doing a run-through. In the corridors of power in New Delhi,
the proposed nuclear deal...
Mishra ji, what was that inside?
Actually, ma'am, someone else accompanied Manika madam to Godhra in 2002.
Who?
Used to be an honest reporter.
For him, the definition of journalism was,
bringing the truth to light.
But his own definitions changed
when he was faced with the bitter truth of journalism.
Newspaper was a piece of scrap for him,
which belonged in the dustbin.
Someone who was falsely accused of stealing,
now steals with great ease.
- Sister. - Yes, sir.
Your salary was due. I completely forgot.
- Here. - Thank you, sir.
Do you want to die?
Someone who always followed the system,
for him the system has now become--
Someone who wanted justice for those burned,
was now completely scalded now the inside.
Reputation, money, career, he had nothing left.
His only possession was his bitter mouth.
Someone who wanted to be the voice of truth,
now makes a living doing small-time dubbing.
Earlier his pen would breathe fire,
now he breathes fire from his mouth.
My usual.
Excuse me.
Samar Kumar.
Samar Kumar-- Hi.
I had a dubbing job for you.
Oh...
1000? 2000? 2500... ?
Okay?
What's the duration of the job?
Two hours.
I'll do it in one (hour), but charge you for two.
Okay.
The meter is ticking.
Of course... two minutes, please
Is the volume going to be clear enough?
I heard screaming and shouting
But my daughter Rupa got caught in the fire
The thing that needs to be highlighted is,
that in a train consisting of 20-25 bogies,
only two bogies...
I am doing a report on the Sabarmati Express.
And I saw your tape during my research,
which is totally different from the other reports.
Actually, the report everyone knows about
was indeed published after reviewing all the research and facts.
Manika ma'am also supports that report.
But your video had certain points.
So, basically...
Basically, you are confused.
In one corner is your Manika ma'am. Your ideal.
Superstar. And the truth presented by her.
And in the other is a Hindi reporter, and a few things said by him.
But after watching the video, you thought he was making a valid point.
You couldn't ignore it.
See, I just have to prepare a report,
on the current state of the families of the
victims and survivors of the Sabarmati Express.
As much as I know about this case,
the general perception is that the train arrived at Godhra station.
There was a scuffle between people from two communities,
and suddenly the train caught fire.
But after watching your video, there is something more.
I just want to know the actual truth.
Then go to Godhra and find out.
Will you come with me?
Please?
Samar... ?
I will pay you.
Is that okay?
What were you saying about him, Mishra ji?
He is totally cynical.
Thank God Manika ma'am kicked him out of his job.
I will call you back.
50,000!
What?
For fifty thousand, I'll do anything you say.
What suddenly changed your mind?
I owe people a lot of money.
The maid, laundry guy... All heartless people.
No emotion. I'll pay them whatever I owe,
and get a suit stitched for me.
My girlfriend has invited me to her wedding. I like her.
She is getting married,
and you still like her?
Girlfriends seem even better when they marry someone else.
You can ask any guy.
Actually, wait. 35.
35... ?
Okay, fine. Let's come to even grounds.
Let's settle on the amount equal to your Manika madam's age. 40
She is 40?
No.
She is totally different from what she looks.
I know her.
Do you want to go to Godhra?
- Yes. - Fine.
Thank you.
- If you come along, I can... - Quash your theory.
And solidify my Manika madam's truth.
- What's that she says? - Take the opposing view and crush it.
No, This is not what I was going to say.
- I was going to say that... - Whatever.
You pay me the money. I will go with you.
Because, once I make a commitment to my maids,
there is no going back.
I heard you used to be an honest journalist back in the day.
And now you're demanding 50,000...
EBT started their office from a single room.
Now, they own an entire building.
Send me the ticket, and I will be there.
"Glory to King Ram..."
I thought I had moved ahead in life.
But in a brief moment, I was back in that spot again.
Even previously, it wasn't me but Godhra who chose me.
As it did now.
But finally we were going to find out what actually happened five years ago.
"Glory to King Ram..."
Get people out of here. Hurry up!
Pick up that girl. Shift her somewhere.
She is still breathing. Pick her up.
Look over there.
Both the bogies were totally burnt, and there were no survivors.
- What happened to the remaining bogies? - They left.
The police sent it to Ahmedabad.
Weren't the other bogies on fire?
As the saying goes, life never stops.
It didn't for Godhra either.
But the truth of those 59 victims had frozen in that moment,
which we came to uncover.
Pick it up. Must be your baby.
Sorry.
Do you call him sweetie?
Let's focus on the job we're here for.
We can if we run into someone.
Yes, sir. Hello, ma'am.
- I am Zehnab. - Hi, Zehnab.
We need a room.
- Married? - No. Happy.
How many rooms do you want?
- We only have a budget for... - Two.
I have enough that we don't have to rent only one room.
Okay. Two.
- Two rooms. - Okay.
- I'll need your IDs. - Sure.
What is this?
For working. And that?
To focus on work.
It's a dry state, Samar.
I know. That's why I filled out a permit.
- But... - I can't do without it.
Okay?
Since I lost my girlfriend and job,
you've always been there for me.
Will you give me a hand?
Shall we get some work done?
Coming. Coming.
Okay?
Thank you.
You can't think beyond alcohol, can you?
I can.
Snacks, soda, ice, chicken tikka...
Can we be serious?
Go ahead.
The commission's report looks solid.
And according to this report,
it was one hundred percent accident.
You think it's funny.
Should have given a heads-up before cracking such a bad joke.
You made me waste my booze.
I could get only one bottle on my permit.
Can you please be serious?
Where do we start?
We've to start from zero.
- Meaning? - Let's start from ground zero.
Let's go take a look at those burned bogies.
Let's go.
You think it's a joke getting in those bogies?
It must be guarded by the police.
Right. I didn't think about that. Plan cancelled.
Your money is also cancelled.
I didn't say that.
No, I meant... we can always try.
Exactly.
They won't allow any media people inside.
We'll have to find a source then.
Source?
I don't know anyone in Godhra.
Did you know me in Delhi?
But I am here with you now.
Give me some money.
It's all I have.
Will it be okay?
If you love your wife, you can't say no to these.
If this is the condition of metal,
Imagine the people?
This is so haunting.
Such a massive accident.
Accident?
Look, according to this report...
What does the official report state?
How did the bogie catch fire according to this?
Two probable causes of fire.
Cooking stove and cigarette.
- But... - Wait... One at a time.
First, the stove.
Okay. So, according to the report,
as per an eye-witness, he saw people cooking in the bogie on 24th February.
When the train was en route to Ayodhya.
And based on that statement,
the report assumed that three days later, on the 27th of February,
people were cooking in the bogie again.
When the train was returning from Ayodhya.
Let's assume people were actually cooking in the bogie.
That could have also caused the fire.
Do you know how many people were in the bogie when it caught fire?
It was overcrowded. 200 to 220.
- Yes. And seats? - 72.
This means three times the number of people.
People were cooking in a bogie that hardly had any space to stand.
According to this report, how much fuel is required to set this bogie on fire?
Sixty to seventy litres minimum.
One stove can carry one litre of kerosene maximum.
So sixty to seventy stoves were burning together,
At 7:30 in the morning?
Was someone running a community kitchen inside the bogie?
What is the other reason stated for the cause of the fire?
- Cigarette buds. - Cigarette buds.
Maybe someone lit a cigarette and disposed of it erratically.
The train does have foam.
You are lighting a cigarette, Samar.
- What happened? - What do you mean? Put it off.
I briefly lit a cigarette, and you stopped me.
Someone lit a cigarette in an overcrowded bogie,
and no one stopped him, Amrita?
Let's assume for a minute...
That someone inside lit a cigarette, and no one stopped him.
What is the maximum harm that a single cigarette can do?
Certainly not this.
Or everyone inside the bogie lit a cigarette together.
Unbelievable.
Let's assume these are not the reason that caused the fire.
Then what started the fire?
The crowd pelted stones at the train.
And the crowd set it on fire.
Everyone knows there was a large crowd present at the station that day.
- The report also mentions the crowd. - Then?
But it clearly states that
the crowd couldn't have set the bogies on fire from the outside.
Why?
Because the spot it halted,
the window was seven feet above the ground.
So, if someone pours petrol from the outside,
most of it would fall outside.
Pouring 60 to 70 litres of petrol in this situation is absolutely impossible.
Meaning it couldn't have been set on fire from the outside.
But the fire could have started from the inside.
The crowd could have barged in.
Let's assume the crowd barged inside and started pouring petrol.
The passengers on the inside were also carrying sticks.
If someone pours petrol on you,
your first reaction would be to save your life and not retaliate.
But that's the point.
Why didn't people run?
There are four exits.
Four doors.
And two vestibules that connect two bogies.
This means six exits.
I don't understand.
The poor souls did try to escape.
Look at the window.
It's been pulled towards the inside. They tried to break it.
Those who managed to escape through the vestibule survived.
The others hurried towards the door, but it didn't open.
Samar, open the door.
Please.
Open it from the inside.
It's that easy to open the door.
And all those people couldn't open four doors?
- So the doors were... - Exactly.
They were closed from the outside.
Honestly, this report makes no sense.
Why would anyone want to do this?
It wasn't one person, Amrita.
It was a crowd of nearly 1000 people.
But why did the crowd come here?
That's what we don't know.
All we know is that Kar Sevak's were returning from Ayodhya in this bogie.
From a major religious event.
We have to find the truth.
We'll have to meet...
all those who were present on the platform that day.
The train arrived at 7:45.
It was four hours late.
Someone pulled the chain again in two minutes. And the train stopped again.
Someone pulled the chain again?
The train stopped in front of cabin A.
I was in the cabin at that time.
The passengers and tea-vendors got in a scuffle over money.
In front of the S3 bogie.
Around 30 or 40 men emerged from behind the parcel office.
From Signal Palia. We arrived on the scene.
We used force to disperse both groups. And the train moved ahead.
Just then, the guard gave out a helping whistle.
Later, the train suddenly caught fire.
How did the fire start?
- We don't know yet. - Don't know.
I didn't see where the fire started from.
Okay. Thank you. Thank you, sir.
Where is he?
Where is your focus?
First time the chain was pulled on the platform, and then in front of cabin A.
Meaning... the train was stopped twice within five minutes.
So you've been here for many years.
- Yes. - You must have been here in 2002,
during the train accident.
I was here on that day.
I heard it myself. Some passengers from the Sabarmati Express manhandled a girl.
They tried to kidnap her.
- A guy called Saddam gathered people around. - They dragged the girl inside the train.
He is misbehaving with her...
And the scuffle started between them and the passengers.
Then the fire broke out.
And who was the girl?
Shazia?
No... Sadia Banu.
Sadia Bano.
I think she lived in the Signal Palia slums.
Sadia doesn't live here.
She came here from Vadodara to celebrate Eid.
I am her aunt.
Okay. What happened that day at the station?
She was waiting at the station for the train to Vadodara,
with her sister and mother.
A handful of passengers from inside the train dragged her inside.
People claim there was this guy on the platform
who was yelling, "They got our girl".
Some guys were saying that Saddam Supariwala was there.
How many times have I told you
not to chat with strangers?
- Get inside. - Listen...
Jamal, what led to a small matter escalating into a serious conflict?
Sajid Batlawala used to sell tea on the platform.
He got in a scuffle with the passengers regarding his money.
Later, Saddam brought his men over,
and the scuffle started between the passengers and the crowd.
The fire in the train started after that.
Who was this Saddam?
He was the leader of all the vendors on the station.
I heard Saddam was on the run since then.
Okay, what... did Sajid do after that?
No one saw Sajid there after that.
And the boys that came there?
I don't know much, except for there was a boy among them.
Arun Bharda. He was an eye-witness.
He also testified later.
Give me a cigarette.
Aren't you taking too much stress?
If you don't want to share, say it to my face.
Keep the entire packet.
According to the aunt, a guy called Saddam Supariwali came over to rescue Sadia.
A crowd gathered around and the fire broke out.
And, according to the coolie,
Sajid Batlawala had a scuffle on the station.
Saddam then gathered a crowd.
So there are two reasons for the crowd to gather.
Almost at the same time.
Coincidences happen only once.
If it happens twice, it's a narrative.
So either Sadia's narrative is real or Sajid's.
Or they are both fake.
What are you doing, Samar? It's silk. It's expensive.
Hold on. Be quiet. You will make me forget.
Okay.
According to the first story,
few passengers kidnapped Sadia.
Later, one of the vendors, Saddam Supariwala,
gathers a crowd of 1000-1500 people
within four to five minutes to save Sadia.
The crowd gets in a scuffle with the passengers.
Soon after, the fire breaks out.
According to the second story,
Sajid Batlawala gets in a scuffle with the passengers.
Then Saddam Supariwalia gathers a crowd.
The crowd gets in a scuffle with the passengers.
Soon after, the fire breaks out.
And the eye-witness to all this is Arun Bharda.
What do you see in common in both the stories?
Saddam Supari?
Correct.
There is another commonality.
In both cases, the mistake was committed by--
The passengers.
Wait. What you are trying to say is,
both the stories were circulated deliberately,
so no one could find out what actually happened.
That's the game afoot here, Amrita.
So, there is a...
Mastermind
who orchestrated the entire incident.
And there are only two ways to reach this mastermind.
First is Sadia Banu,
who will tell us why she gave a fake narrative of her kidnapping.
And the second is Arun Bharda,
who can tell us why he lied about the scuffle
between the passengers and the tea vendors.
And both these stories will lead us to our third and original story.
No one can play a cover drive better than him.
Swept that for a boundary.
Will Sadia Banu and her family talk to us?
Why wouldn't they?
They have been told that we are from a major NGO.
If they tell their story to us, they can also get paid.
India is losing?
You are worried about cricket.
It's not just a cricket match.
It's the World Cup between India and Pakistan.
The country's reputation is at stake.
And he's hit it for a six. Outside the ground.
Why are they clapping when the other team hit a boundary?
That one has crossed the stadium.
This is how things happen here. Let's go.
It's a nail-biting moment for both the fans...
Sadia, we understand how difficult it must have been for you.
Different people different versions.
So what exactly happened on that day?
Pakistan needs 23 runs in 9 balls.
Don't be afraid, dear. They are good people.
[It's a close competition...]
We were returning after Eid, from my aunt's place.
We were waiting for the train at the station.
Someone at the station grabbed me from the back and misbehaved with me.
Why didn't you inform the police?
We did...
There was no police on the station,
and since we were in a hurry to get to Baroda,
we left for the bus depot.
Yorker at the leg stump, and that's taken off the bails.
Clean bowled.
No, that was a catch.
Right.
Was Saddam Supariwala a relative of yours?
Wasn't he the one who saved you at the station?
We heard he was a relative of yours.
- Waqar. - What happened?
- Waqar! - What happened, aunty?
- Waqar! - What?
- Who are these people? - Aunty.
- Run. - Barged in our house calling themselves NGO people.
- Zuber. - Yes, brother.
- Come here. - Come on.
Final over.
- Hurry up. - Go straight.
- This way. - Yes. Run.
Where are you? Come down quickly.
Come on. Let's go.
- Don't let them escape. - There. -Yes. Yes.
Looks like Pakistan is going to clutch the trophy.
You look that way, and you this way.
Only 12 runs needed of 5 balls.
Once again Sharma bowls...
Short of length.
Careful, Samar.
What are you doing? Let's go.
Check on the terrace.
- Did you find them? - No, they are not here.
Another boundary.
13 runs required of 4 balls.
The match tilting in favour of Pakistan.
Joginder ready to bowl his next ball.
- Did you see them? - No.
Let's go.
Everything has suddenly gone quiet.
What about the match?
Our lives are at stake, and you are worried about the match.
It's between India and Pakistan.
Let's go.
Where?
Come on.
The people here are celebrating.
I guess India lost, Amrita
We didn't lose. We had won.
It wasn't just India that won the match, but so did our future generations,
who proved that they love their country more than caste and community.
This generation loves their country.
"We've broken free from the old shackles,"
"why look back at the destination we've left behind?"
"We've landed on the surface of the moon,"
"we've matched steps with the new world."
"It's a new blood, new aspirations, it's the new youth."
"We are Indians. We are Indians."
Zehnab. We didn't order all this.
It's on the house. To celebrate India's victory.
How sweet.
- Thank you. - Oh, great. Snacks.
Dhokla, Jalebi, Fafda.
Gujarat rocks.
- Thank you, Zehnab. - Thank you.
Can you ever be serious?
We barely escaped today.
Can't deny how we clutched the victory in the last over.
You should celebrate. Have a fafda.
Don't want it.
Fafda good for fefda (lungs).
Okay.
I am going to eat.
Do you think Sadia Banu was lying?
She wasn't lying. She was being made to lie.
Who is making her?
Him.
Manika..
- Good evening, ma'am. - Where are you?
I am in Godhra.
What are you doing in Godhra?
I came to meet with the victim's families, ma'am.
There are no victims in Godhra.
Hello... ma'am? Can you hear me?
One second.
Visthapit (migrants).
What?
- Visthapit (migrants). - What are you saying?
Hello.
Yeah... hello.
Can you hear me now, ma'am?
What are you doing, in Godhra?
It was Visthapit (migrants).
Visthapit (migrants).
What Visthapit?
- Migrated. - What?
- What migrated? - Who migrated?
What Visthapit (migrants)? Who migrated?
They left.
Who left? Where did they go?
- Where did they go? - To graze their buffaloes.
To graze their buffaloes... What?
Are you joking with me right now?
Are you high at work?
Are you drinking?
My voice is getting muffled, ma'am.
You know what, stay where you are.
And come back to office in two days.
Ma'am, I'll need some extra days.
You are not getting anymore time. Back to the office in two days.
She is calling me back in two days.
What is Visthapit (migrants)?
Leave it. You won't understand my language, and I won't understand yours.
Thank God she didn't get suspicious,
or else she would have called you back right away.
She almost got suspicious.
Did you have to write it in such difficult Hindi?
Couldn't you have used normal Hindi?
That's the dilemma of our country.
Simple straightforward Hindi seems difficult.
And that confusing English seems easy.
Spare me.
Today is the day to celebrate. Cheers.
Celebrate what?
- India won today. - And?
So did journalism.
How?
How Joginder Sharma bowled the final over,
and how Amrita Sharma risked her life for journalism,
will go down in the history of this nation.
- Mark my words. - I was just doing my job.
I see.
And I am not a Sharma. Who told you I am a Sharma?
But you look very much like Joginder Sharma.
That's utter nonsense.
Didn't you two get separated at the Kumbh Carnival?
Sit. Have a Fafda.
It's not alcohol. It's Jaljeera.
- What? - Yes, I quit drinking.
Being inspired by me?
Then?
Inspired by the soil of Gujarat.
- Great. - Yes, great.
You are amazing, Samar Kumar.
Thank you. Ms Sharma, cheers.
She was my girlfriend,
who dumped me.
Now she is inviting me to her wedding. Imagine?
Would it look nice handing out a cash envelope to someone I gave love letters to?
There you are Samar? I was looking for you all over the lodge.
- Come on. We have to go. - What? Where?
I found out who can tell us Arun Bharda's whereabouts.
- Who? - Mehrunisa.
She is a social worker.
She handles most of the Godhra victim cases.
She would certainly know where we can find Arun Barda.
And why do you think she will tell us everything?
Because there are honest people on both sides.
Can we go now?
So this is what you were doing all night?
Even I can't sleep.
I was doing research. Can we go now? We are running out of time.
- Let's go. - Hold on. At least let my drink my tea.
- It will take only five minutes. - I'll buy tea for you in the evening.
- But I already paid him. - Later. Later.
Saddam and Sajid Batla were never seen in this city again.
Which channel are you from?
EBT News.
The same channel that was claiming this to be an accident?
In which direction do you want to turn the case?
You won't get anything from me.
I help those who have been used,
not those who want to use them.
- Look, ma'am... - Hold on, madam.
I'll tell you why I am here?
Those 59 victims who burned to death in the Sabarmati Expressed,
we are here to talk about them.
Because many benefitted from that fire,
but no one talked about their benefit.
But we are here for that.
Anyway, thank you for giving us your precious time.
What do you want from me?
There was a boy in this case,
who turned state witness.
Do you know about him?
Arun Bharda.
Legally divulging anything about him wouldn't be right.
His statement is not in the favour of my client.
He has a hearing tomorrow in Ahmedabad.
Release him. Junaid is innocent.
Conflicts end, but not trials.
Five years had passed.
People on both sides were still suffering.
Move ahead.
Release Junaid!
What is this?
I've never seen a court like this before.
Dozens of accused are still in jail,
so the court has been shifted in jail.
How are we going to find Arun Bharda in this crowd?
You look there and I'll look here.
Check the previous page for Arun Bharda.
- Arun Bharda. - Check in the back.
- Do you know the case number? - No.
Sir, do you know where Arun Bharda is being tried?
What is his case number?
Case number... I don't know.
Did you come here for a picnic?
Arun Bharda's case,
Where is your BAR card?
Well... I...
Next.
Arun Bharda's case is not on any list.
He is a SIT witness.
I don't think he will be tried publicly.
Number 1128. Junaid Akram.
- Glory to... - Hafiz sir.
Amrita.
Who is he?
Seems like an important man.
- Glory to... - Hafiz sir.
Look at the crowd that's gathered for him.
Release Junaid!
Order. Order. Calm down.
On whose instructions did you go there?
You keep changing your statement all the time.
Stop misleading the court.
Maulana Sahab, this is not acceptable.
- Bail rejected. - Your honour,
we will not accept this decision. The court can hold us in contempt.
- This is not about Junaid alone. - Calm down. Calm down.
Next case.
Samar. Samar. Where are you going?
Shoes. Shoes.
- What shoes? - Bharda.
- Barda. - Arun Bharda?
Yes, that's him.
- What do we do? - They are taking him away.
Are you going to get in the car?
- Come on. - Samar!
Lower that.
How will we get in?
From the main gate.
Will you stop with your jokes?
The police are on guard.
Tell me how we are going to get inside.
From the main gate.
Greetings, sir.
I've been repeating the same thing like a tape recorder for five years.
What else do you want to know?
We don't want to know anything new.
You keep changing your statement all the time.
And the court thinks you are misleading them.
That's why the court sent us here.
If you are under any pressure or threat,
you can share with us. But we want the truth.
And by telling the truth, you are not doing us a favour.
In fact, you are helping yourself.
Let's submit in the court, "Not Cooperating".
We'll have to take him in judicial custody.
- Yes, sir. - Sir. Sir.
- Sir... sir... - Sir.
- Madam, listen... - Sir, he is saying something.
Sir...
Speak.
Sit.
I was there when Sajid got in a scuffle on the station.
Beat him up.
Sajid and I somehow managed to escape.
What have you done?
Sajid said Saddam has called us.
He took me to Watan Guest House.
Watan Guest House belonged to Rajib Khalifa.
Let's go. Hurry up.
I was shocked to see that scene when I got there.
What is this, Sajid.
It was a green mini van
loaded with seven to eight twenty litre petrol cans,
which was gathered a night ago.
That's when I realised that the scuffle was just an excuse,
to avenge an old vendetta.
The plan to burn Sabarmati was already hatched.
And everyone arrived at the station with the petrol,
and burned down Sabarmati.
The biggest truth about Sabarmati was that it wasn't an accident,
nor the consequences of any scuffle.
It was a well thought conspiracy.
See, our suspicion was right.
Manhandling Sadia, the scuffle was all a lie.
These stories have been floated to divert people from the truth.
They always planned to burn the train.
Through Arun we know, that the petrol was bought previously.
But seven cans of twenty litre each?
In our country, petrol can only be officially poured in a car's petrol tank.
You can't buy a single litre of petrol openly.
It's illegal.
But they had amassed 140 litres of petrol previously.
The only way to get this amount of petrol through an influential person.
Who hatched the conspiracy to burn the Sabarmati.
The one you call in English...
The Mastermind.
But, Samar, how will we find out who that man is?
Samar... !
- Hey... - Samar!
My bag. My bag.
Leave me.
Samar.
My tape. Leave me.
Samar.
Stop. Stop the car.
Amrita.
Amrita, are you okay.
It's all over, Samar.
They had their eyes on us all the time.
They know how close we are to the truth.
- Are you okay? - My arm...
Samar.
There is a chemist over there. Let's go.
Come on. Careful.
- Mister, do you have any bandages or... - Yes. Over there.
One minute.
- This guy... - Who?
I have seen him before.
- Careful, Samar. - Hold on.
What, Samar?
He's the guy who attacked us.
I've seen him before, Amrita. At the court.
We must get to him.
But how will we get to him?
You said there are honest people on both sides.
Mehrunisa.
Mehrunisa ji, Samar Kumar speaking.
We need your help.
Was it him?
Yes, this was the guy in the car. He attacked us.
Meaning he started the fire and he is our mastermind.
No.
He is not your mastermind.
Then who can it be?
Someone people would believe blindly.
Thousands of people would gather around in a single beckon.
But... who?
Him.
He is your mastermind.
- Him... - Wait.
Habib Kadri?
But doesn't he help innocent boys like Junaid.
Release him. Release Junaid.
- Mr Kadri, keep silence. - Release Junaid.
It's all a farce.
In reality, they use those innocent people for their personal gains.
Junaid had been in jail for five years.
He did everything Habib sir told him to,
hoping that someday they will set him free.
When the riots broke out, the police arrested me.
They assaulted me and said testify against your people.
I made no mistake, sir.
What were you doing at the station when the train caught fire?
Who told you go come here?
Bail rejected.
But when he wasn't granted bail even today, he committed suicide.
You do know, Mehrunisa,
that you've put your life at risk by coming here?
I know.
But I want to do it for my people.
A few people commit mistakes and everyone has to pay the price.
What's done cannot be changed.
But if an effort can be made to change things,
then why don't we make that effort.
I will take you to him.
Why did you bring them here?
They have some questions,
which they will be asking you.
What? When? How? I don't want to know all this.
I want to know why you did it?
You are a saviour of your people.
Why are you afraid?
Speak up.
What is he going say?
Look at his condition.
He can do nothing.
But he wrongly influences the naive and innocent with his words.
He's a traitor to his own people.
My people?
What do you know about my people?
Do you know how much my people have to suffer?
They suffer because they listen to you and rot in jail.
And people like you live in these grand bungalows.
Junaid...
committed suicide.
You made him suffer for five years.
You couldn't help your own people--
Yes, Habib sir.
This Godhra is my house.
Think you are some angel by letting your own people die.
Life and death is nature of time.
Your rubbish won't bring back those families back to life
who died in the train that night.
Many more families have died from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
But they never made the front-page news.
Will you divide the entire country to feature on the front news?
When Gujarat was faced with an earthquake in 2001,
people from both communities were supporting each other.
They were eating from the same plate.
And what did you do? You burnt their homes.
There were little children on the Sabarmati train.
Running for their lives.
And you bolted the doors from outside.
When your own people find out what you have done,
they will demand answers from you more aggressively.
My own people would question me?
They revere me as an angel.
Maybe they do... now.
But one day they will realise that they are being used for your motive.
Then they will show up again
with the stones that you gave them.
Where would you go then?
He'll flee to the neighbouring country.
That vendor Saddam Supariwala. You helped him flee.
My name has never featured in any of the reports.
But there is one report still pending, sir.
Our Sabarmati Report.
Are you threatening me?
Why? Are you scared?
Your phone must have international call facility.
You know what,
call your masters and tell them to be ready to welcome you.
Your time has come.
Pack Habib sir's bags.
- Where are you going? - Away from India.
He will rest peacefully in our neighbouring country.
That day I had realised,
that the conflict was not between two communities.
Otherwise, Mehrunisa would have never led us to that man,
who we could have never found on our own.
The mindset which cannot see these communities united.
It was the result of this mindset
that left a stain on the honour of my country.
That led to this witness box where I am standing today.
Mr. Samar Kumar.
Do you have any proof of everything you said?
Your honour, proofs were snatched from him.
They were destroyed.
Point to be noted, your honour.
No evidence to support the claim.
Your honour, as we all know
Mr Samar Kumar was a Hindi journalist.
In fact, he used to report Hindi films.
So creating stories has been his profession.
We all know how much importance does a Hindi reporter gets.
They are always looking for an opportunity to speak and to be heard.
Today he got that opportunity and he's making good use of it.
Mr Samar Kumar, do you deny the charges against you?
Do you want to say anything in your defence?
What can I say, your honour?
Sir made a joke of my expressions.
Yes, I speak Hindi.
And there are millions like me who speak and understand Hindi.
And people like them, your honour,
who look down on people who speak Hindi.
But I firmly believe, your honour, the day will come
when Hindi will again become our identity.
That's when India will become Bharat.
And as for being a film reporter,
believe me, your honour, I was happier in that world.
But when I came to work for them,
I was shocked after what I saw.
And I couldn't understand
how someone concealed a major event like this in a country of our magnitude.
If the truth of Sabarmati was so important,
then why hasn't it been revealed yet?
- Whose fault was it? - Mine.
It was my fault first, your honour.
Why I couldn't do what I did now?
Then it was the fault of those handful people
who provoked the crowd for their own motive.
Then it was those 1.2 billion people at fault
who saw the fire but not the spark.
And the one at fault here was the fourth pillar of democracy,
which is journalism.
The entire country looks at them to know the truth.
But never let the truth of those 59 victims come out.
And isn't this unbelievable, your honour.
The entire country looks at the media to know the truth.
And our media looks at their bosses first before disclosing the truth.
So you mean to say the people of this country have no sense.
They see what they are shown, believe what they hear.
They are all fools.
A country where people have carried parts of a satellite on a cycle,
and rocketed us in the space, I would never call them fools.
Even after decades of slavery,
our country is biggest democracy in the world.
The world has their eyes on us, and we are eyeing the stars.
That's why no media or journalist can suppress the truth forever.
If one Samar Kumar losses, another will take his place.
If justice isn't delivered in 2002, it will be delivered in 2007.
If not in 2007, then in 2017. If not in '17 then maybe in '47,
but justice will be delivered. I can give you this in writing.
Everything will change in this new India, but not the truth.
And will people in this new India also break the law as you did.
No, sir.
The law was always supreme, and always will be.
Take me for instance, your honour.
If I had any solid evidence to support myself,
the law would have had a different perspective about me.
But I am a culprit.
But if you ask me, my biggest crime was
I didn't let the sensitivity inside me die.
Those 59 people always seemed like family to me,
and I thought people should know about them.
Our scriptures say, your honour,
that human life is the most difficult to attain.
Human life is achieved after living 8.4 million life forms.
And that life is burnt,
no one says a word about it.
They deserved that much, your honour.
If someone slips in his bathroom and dies,
there's a small feature on him on the newspaper.
And so many people are burnt, most of them women and children,
But no one could write a few words about them?
All those who are sitting here,
does anyone remember at least three of the victims?
Does anyone know?
I pray that this
sympathy doesn't die in India.
Now the ball... is in your court, your honour.
The ball... is in your court, your honour.
Did I say it correctly, Rajiv sir?
Was my English okay?
Mr Samar Kumar, if what you told the court was true,
then the nation would expect the truth brought to light.
The respective courts running trials on the Sabarmati Express,
should expose the truth with hard evidence.
And reveal the entire truth.
As you said, your honour, even I expect that to happen.
I've done my part of the effort.
Somewhere someone must working hard to contribute in their own way.
Good evening viewers and welcome to EBT News special,
The Sabarmati Report.
I am Amrita Gill.
We are not a small country by any stretch of the imagination.
So it is given that something or the other is always happening somewhere.
One such incident happened in 2002 in the city of Godhra, Gujarat.
But one thing that lies absolutely exposed is the failure of the administration
in handling the Sabarmati incident.
Our channels were one of the first ones to report this to you.
But what can only be termed as a journalistic tragedy,
all this was presented in a way that created a narrative.
A narrative far from the truth.
Dear viewers, this was a betrayal of your trust.
Five years later, we did a follow up investigation
and what we have for you today are some facts.
The 59 victims who were denied much more than just justice.
They were denied their right to be heard.
So bear with me,
- as I read out their names... - What's going on here?
- Because each name matters. - Why are you recording this?
What the hell do you think you are doing?
Conspiracy? Facts? Truth?
With whose authority are you doing this?
What do you think?
You and that bloody Samar Kumar
have become some self-righteous heroes of Indian journalism?
How dare you take these names?
Those 59 names gave me courage.
The courage to be foolish.
I knew that you were a fool.
That's why I didn't let you go live, but I gave you an opportunity.
And you have ruined it for yourself.
You are always able to anticipate things, don't you?
So?
But you know what, you can suppress the truth briefly,
but not stop it from coming out.
Oh, my God!
Because someone, somewhere, someday will expose this truth.
As you say, journalism is not a sprint, it's a marathon.
I don't need to know what journalism is from you.
Of course.
There is no comparison between you and me.
And I just began to understand journalism, ma'am.
But I have understood one thing clearly.
That justice delayed is justice denied,
and you have delayed it perfectly well.
This is my resignation. Thank you very much.
Journalism is a marathon, Amrita. You are going to regret this.
Remember you once said you don't remember anybody's name,
till they do something great.
You remember my name.
I must have done something right.
Get out.
2017, Fifteen years had passed since that date,
which no one wanted to remember.
No one could lessen the bane of those who lost closed ones.
But today they had hopes that the deceased will get justice.
My trust in justice and journalism had been reinstalled.
India had become Bharat.
And Hindi became the identity of my nation.
"Glory to king Ram"
On this day, at 7:43 AM, in our independent and secular country,
23 men, 16 women, and 20 children
totalling 59 Indian citizens
were burned alive in coach number S6 of the
Sabarmati Express at Godhra station in Gujarat.
Now, after two reports, several arrests and the court's verdicts,
I, Samar Kumar, am trying to bring that truth to you.
A train leaves from Ayodhya on 25th February for Ahmedabad.
Carrying few passengers returning from the Purn Ahuti Mahayagya.
Completely unaware of the fact,
a major conspiracy was waiting for them at Godhra station which came in their route.
And this conspiracy was hatched much before.
Those returning from the religious event were unaware...
they are going to become sacrificial items of this conspiracy.
"Glory to King Ram. Glory to Sita-Ram."
We have to go collect petrol.
We'll get the petrol from Lalabhai's pump.
"Stop."
"Cities are burning? Why is the air filled with smoke?"
"Why are the streets red, with the colours of blood?"
Habib sir has said to target bogie number S6 of the Sabarmati Express.
The train will arrive at exactly 4 o'clock at the station.
It will be done.
Madam.
Is the Sabarmati Express on time?
It's running late. By four hours.
"You have reduced the world to ashes by burning the society"
The train is four hours late.
You were told to gather the boys.
Okay. I'll go to the platform and gather the boys,
and try to get more from the settlement as well.
- Okay, bravo, bravo. - Okay.
"The issues of yesterday grow and explode."
"There's fire, it's fierce."
"In just a moment, it becomes a blaze,"
"No one can stop it now."
"Rumours are floating everywhere, No restraint is left now."
Shakur bhai. Yasir bhai.
They grabbed one of our girls in the train. He is being manhandled.
Let's go. Hurry up.
How can they do this? We'll not spare them. Let's go.
"We will fight, we will die, we will struggle, we will annihilate."
"Why are the streets red, with the colours of blood?"
Come on, fast.
You go up with the oil. Hurry up.
Go fast.
"There's fire, it's immense, no one can stop it now,"
Son. My son. Where is my son?
"There is no restraint. A heart like fire, like fire,"
"Now, there's nothing to stop it."
"My heart is filled with rage, and my mind is in turmoil."
"Like fire, it has ignited. This path is filled with thoughts."
"What is truth? What is falsehood? This flame of murder burns."
"This spirit of destruction lurks everywhere."
"I want blood."
"I want blood. Blood to calm me down again."
"What should I say? What should I do? In the heart of terror, there's fear."
"My prey is not society, not this world, Not respect."
"There's fire, it's immense, no one can stop it now,"
Are you alright? Come.
"No restraint is left now. A heart like a fire,"
"Blood burns fiercely, all under control, all done."
Rupa.
The train was burnt in Godhra,
but its only fault was that it started from Ayodhya.
It wasn't just a train that burnt that day.
Love and brotherhood burned with it.
Humanity and humans were burned.
It wasn't just Gujarat but India that burned.
The question I want to ask is,
why the people in this country do not remember the people
who were killed in the Sabarmati Express?
This is an effort to deliver justice to those 59 victims,
whose very existence were erased.
But their share of justice has definitely pending.
"Glory to king Ram. Glory to Sita-Ram."
Rohit Ramlakhan Singh.
Age 2.5 years.
Priya Ramlakhan Singh. Age 5 years.
Sushila Devi. Wife of Ramlakhan Singh. Age 30 years.
Ramlakhan Singh, 35 years.
Chirag Ishwarbhai Patel, 21 years.
Indraben Patel, age 60 years.
Preeti Bhagwati Prasad Pal. Age 3 years.
Pratibha Devi Bhagwati Prasad Pal. Age 7 years.
Chhaya Ben Harshadbhai Panchal, age 17 years.
Champaben Manubhai Patel. Age 57 years.
Unidentified body, one woman, age 45 years.
A female child, age 10 years.
A male child, age 15 years.
A male, age 25 years. Another male aged 30 years.
You are doing okay?
I am doing what 75% of this country doing.
Watching this man read the news to them... in Hindi.
A female, age 30 years. Another woman age 40 years.
These are the ones who haven't been identified yet.
Vitthalbhai Purshottambhai Patel, age 35 years.
Sadashiv Vitthola Jadhav, age 60 years.
"... the incarnation Narayan and a loving son"
"Glory to king Ram"
"Hail the glorious Lord, the protector,"
"the incarnation Narayan and a loving son"
"Hail the glorious Lord, the protector,"
"the incarnation Narayan and a loving son"
"I've surrendered myself to you."
"Who do I call out in times of distress?"
"You are the one..."
"whom we... look up to."
"The world relies on you. You are our only protector."
"Glory to King Ram. Glory to Sita-Ram"