The Crossbill News Desk
Zakia Jafri, the courageous woman who took on Narendra Modi in the pursuit of justice for the 2002 Gujarat riots, passed away on Saturday afternoon, activist Teesta Setalvad announced on social media.
A survivor of the Gujarat riots, Jafri relentlessly fought legal battles seeking accountability. She was in Ahmedabad with her US-based daughter, Nishrin, when she passed away around 11:30 am.
Jafri was the wife of former Congress Member of Parliament Ehsan Jafri, who was brutally killed along with 68 others in the Gulberg Society massacre—one of the most horrific incidents of the post-Godhra riots.
Until 2023, she continued to visit the ruins of her home in Gulberg Society on the anniversary of the tragedy, holding onto the fight for justice. Since 2006, she had been at the forefront of the legal battle against the Gujarat government, becoming a powerful voice for riot victims.
“Zakia Appa a compassionate leader of d human rights community passed away just 30 minutes ago! Her visionary presence will be missed by d nation family friends & worrld! Tanveernhai, Nishrin, Duraiyaappa, grandkids we are with you! Rest in Power and Peace Zakia appa!” Setalvad wrote in an emotional post on X.
With Setalvad as a co-petitioner, Jafri pursued justice through multiple courts, demanding accountability from the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and other officials for their alleged roles in the riots.
In 2008, based on her plea, the Supreme Court ordered a re-investigation into nine riot-related cases, including the Gulberg Society massacre.
Despite her relentless struggle, her petitions challenging the Special Investigation Team’s clean chit to 63 individuals, including Modi, were dismissed at all levels—by the magistrate court, the Gujarat High Court, and ultimately, the Supreme Court.
The apex court’s decision drew sharp criticism, most notably from former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur, as it paved the way for Gujarat Police to register a case against Setalvad, leading to her arrest and 70 days of imprisonment.
Zakia Jafri’s unwavering determination in the face of injustice remains an enduring symbol of courage, resistance, and the fight for truth.
A survivor of the Gujarat riots, Jafri relentlessly fought legal battles seeking accountability. She was in Ahmedabad with her US-based daughter, Nishrin, when she passed away around 11:30 am.
Jafri was the wife of former Congress Member of Parliament Ehsan Jafri, who was brutally killed along with 68 others in the Gulberg Society massacre—one of the most horrific incidents of the post-Godhra riots.
Until 2023, she continued to visit the ruins of her home in Gulberg Society on the anniversary of the tragedy, holding onto the fight for justice. Since 2006, she had been at the forefront of the legal battle against the Gujarat government, becoming a powerful voice for riot victims.
“Zakia Appa a compassionate leader of d human rights community passed away just 30 minutes ago! Her visionary presence will be missed by d nation family friends & worrld! Tanveernhai, Nishrin, Duraiyaappa, grandkids we are with you! Rest in Power and Peace Zakia appa!” Setalvad wrote in an emotional post on X.
With Setalvad as a co-petitioner, Jafri pursued justice through multiple courts, demanding accountability from the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and other officials for their alleged roles in the riots.
In 2008, based on her plea, the Supreme Court ordered a re-investigation into nine riot-related cases, including the Gulberg Society massacre.
Despite her relentless struggle, her petitions challenging the Special Investigation Team’s clean chit to 63 individuals, including Modi, were dismissed at all levels—by the magistrate court, the Gujarat High Court, and ultimately, the Supreme Court.
The apex court’s decision drew sharp criticism, most notably from former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur, as it paved the way for Gujarat Police to register a case against Setalvad, leading to her arrest and 70 days of imprisonment.
Zakia Jafri’s unwavering determination in the face of injustice remains an enduring symbol of courage, resistance, and the fight for truth.
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