Banerjee panel inspects S-6

He quizzed officials on a pile of gravel near the A cabin where the coach had been torched. ‘‘Please send details on whether the pile was here when the incident happened,’’ he told them. He also asked them if the driver could have seen all coaches as the train had stopped at a curve.

Later, he told reporters at Godhra railway station that the committee would proceed with the evidence it had; its visit aimed at understanding the ‘‘situation on the ground’’. He admitted that though the three months’ timeframe for completing the probe seemed less. ‘‘We are studying the evidence and all team members will exchange notes prepared during our visit to Godhra when we meet in Delhi. Only then can anything be said,’’ he said.

He did not question the local police. The only policeman who was summoned was Nawab Singh, who had reportedly saved seven passengers from the coach. Justice Banerjee merely complimented him on his courage without posing questions about the carnage.

Best Bakery absconders

MUMBAI: The special court on Wednesday studied the draft charges against 21 Best Bakery accused but did not frame the charges as it felt the absconding accused had played a major role. The trial has been adjourned till September 22 so that Gujarat police can arrest the five absconding.

Bilkis trial on Sept 29

Mumbai: Deferring the Bilkis Yakub Rasool gangrape-cum massacre trial to September 29, a special court on Wednesday directed the CBI to provide the accused copies of direction given by the Supreme Court to investigate the case. Special Judge U.D. Salvi remanded the accused in judicial custody September 29.