Opinion - Letters to the Editor

An earlier riot

Sir, — In the article `Godhra revisited', it has been stated that Godhra "is notorious for communal riots". It would be of interest to readers to know that during British rule, Godhra witnessed a communal riot which proved to be the turning point in Morarji Desai's life.

In 1928, when Desai was P.A. to the District Collector of Godhra, Hartshone, an English man, a communal riot broke out. The Collector who, according to Desai, "was evidently partial" wanted him to hold the Hindus responsible for the riot. Desai was not willing to comply. A case of communal bias was foisted on Desai. While the trial court held that he was siding with the Hindus, the Sessions Court exonerated him. H.V.R. Iengar who was the Assistant Collector stood by him.

Desai was transferred to Ahmedabad but a vindictive administration instituted a departmental inquiry and he was awarded punishment. The unjust punishment spurred Desai to quit government service and join the freedom movement.

V. Krishnamachari,
Mumbai

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