Last July, Chief Minister Narendra Modi of the Indian western state of Gujarat challenged his opponents that if he is willing to be hanged in public if he is found guilty of colluding with Gujarat rioters in 2002. Modi has been widely blamed for his alleged role or inaction in the riots which gave rioters a free hand for several days, resulting in the killing of thousands of people and destruction of properties. So far, he has refused to apologize for the riots and instead accused those asking for his apology of fanning trouble and hatred. While the Supreme Court special investigation team cleared Modi of any complicity in the 2002 riots, former minister Maya Kodnani of the Bharatiya Janata Party had been found guilty in the Naroda Patiya massacre. Kodnani is the first member of the legislative assembly to be convicted of murder, conspiracy and provoking the riots. Perhaps, the hangman's knot may not have found Modi's neck yet, but justice may be served sooner or later. We have to keep track of Modi and his vow to be hanged in public if he is found guilty. Masood Khan, Jubail
