Gujarat authorities blamed over riots

An independent panel investigating the religious violence that broke out in the western Indian state of Gujarat earlier this year, has strongly criticised the state authorities for what it calls their alleged complicity in inciting the clashes.

In their final report, the non-governmental group, which is comprised of former Indian judges and leading activists, alleges that hardline Hindu organisations had planned the riots months before they occurred.

The report calls for the arrest and prosecution of a number of hardline Hindu leaders.

The riots in Gujarat broke out after a Muslim mob fire-bombed a train carrying Hindu pilgrims.

More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in the retaliatory violence that ensued.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service