Zakia Jafri, a name etched in India’s history of resilience, was a beacon of hope for countless victims of communal violence. Born in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Zakia was the widow of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, who was brutally killed during the 2002 Gujarat riots in the Gulberg Society massacre, where 69 people lost their lives.
Her life changed irreversibly after her husband’s death. Rather than succumbing to fear, Zakia emerged as a fierce fighter for justice. She took on powerful political figures, including the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, seeking accountability for the alleged larger conspiracy behind the riots. Her legal battle spanned over two decades, marked by relentless court proceedings and multiple setbacks.
In 2006, Zakia filed a complaint against 63 individuals, including Modi, alleging their involvement in the violence. Despite the Special Investigation Team (SIT) giving Modi a clean chit in 2012, Zakia tirelessly pursued the case through various courts. In 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed her final plea, but her pursuit of justice inspired many across the nation.
Beyond her legal struggle, Zakia was a social activist advocating for human rights and communal harmony. She supported survivors of the riots, especially women, and worked towards empowering marginalized communities. Her courage earned her the prestigious Stree Shakti Puraskar in 2010.
Zakia Jafri passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 86. Her legacy endures as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination of those who fight for truth and justice in India.