New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the recently-released Hindi film The Sabarmati Express, which deals with the controversial incident of the 2002 Godhra riots.

Modi posted on X, "Well said. It is good that this truth is coming out, and that too in a way common people can see it. A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out!"

Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, the film is based on the 2002 Gujarat riots that occurred after the Sabarmati Express was attacked at Godhra Railway Station.

The film features Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Riddhi Dogra in the lead.

Speaking of the film, Vikrant said, "Everyone talks about the Godhra riots but no one discusses the genesis of the incident."

"The film has specifically dealt with the subject. I want people to ask themselves why no one discussed the incident despite the availability of all information for the last 22 years."

About 2002 Godhra riots

On February 27, 2002 morning, the Sabarmati Express carrying hundreds of passengers including a sizable number of karsevaks (Hindu volunteers) arrived at Godhra Railway Station.

After the train departed the station, the driver claimed he had to halt the coaches because emergency chains were pulled multiple times.

This was followed by an attack on the train with about 2,000 people pelting stones. Four train coaches were set on fire leading to the death of 59 people and injuries to 48 others.

The attack led to riots in different parts of the state for weeks.

Prime Minister Modi, who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, was blamed over his handling of the incident that had brought about a change in Indian politics.

However, the Supreme Court-led probe found Modi was not responsible for the situation in the state.