Since partition , Muslim community has been subject to and engaged in sectarian violence in Gujarat . In 2002 , in an incident described as an act of " fascistic state terror , " Hindu extremists carried out acts of violence against the Muslim minority population , in retaliation to on going sectarian violence and persecution by radicalised Islamists , often backed by the Pakistan Intelligence services , with increasing support amongst the local Muslim population . The starting point for the incident was the Godhra train burning which was allegedly done by Muslims . During the incident , young girls were sexually assaulted , burned or hacked to death . These rapes were condoned by the ruling BJP , whose refusal to intervene lead to the displacement of 200,000 . Death toll figures range from the official estimate of 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus killed , to 2,000 Muslims killed . Then Chief Minister Narendra Modi has also been accused of initiating and condoning the violence , as have the police and government officials who took part , as they directed the rioters and gave lists of Muslim-owned properties to the extremists
Godhra train burning
Godhra train burning
Violence against Muslims in India