The two-member Nanavati Commission probing into the post-Godhra communal violence today asked riot victims to depose ‘‘fearlessly’’ without any apprehensions.‘‘Adequate security has been made to ensure that those affected can come and depose fearlessly,’’ said Justice (retd) K.G. Shah, one of the members of the panel, on the eve of the start of hearing here by the Nanavati Commission. The hearing will continue till July 22.Countering apprehension that police presence might create fear among those deposing before the commission, Justice Shah said: ‘‘Police presence is necessary for security measures. However, arrangements have not been made to cause fear among those who come to depose.’’Around 4,300 affidavits, he said, had been received by the commission from entire Gujarat in connection with the post-Godhra communal riots. ‘‘In Ahmedabad,’’ Justice Shah informed, ‘‘the work will be divided police station wise. The commission has already procured all concerned documents, including the FIRs of all cases and chargesheets from concerned police personnel, and if needed the concerned official will also be called to either depose or face a particular complaint put before the commission.’’He admitted that several direct complaints of ‘‘dereliction of duty’’ had been made against police personnel during depositions earlier, and keeping that in mind the concerned official could also be called before the commission if the need arises.‘‘All complaints, be it loss of life or loss of property, would be looked into by the commission if all relevant documents are submitted,’’ he added.
