Modi's questioning seems satisfactory, says riots panel chief

Ahmedabad: He defied everyone and turned up for questioning on Saturday, a move that many say was calculated. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi spent over ten hours being questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) over his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. A day after, SIT chief R K Raghavan tells NDTV that the interaction with Modi seems to be satisfactory. Raghavan also expresses hope to complete the report by April 30. (Read: Riots panel grills Modi for 10 hours)

"We are satisfied with the investigations in the case and with the outcome of questioning," Raghavan said, adding "Based on evaluation of the statement given by the Chief Minister, we will decide whether to call him or not again." (Watch: Want to cooperate fully with SIT, says Modi)

"Questioning took long as the entire gamut of investigation had to be covered. We hope to complete our report by April 30, before the Supreme Court deadline," he said. (Read/Watch: R K Raghavan speaks exclusively to NDTV)

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For the first time since the riots in Gujarat eight years ago, Narendra Modi on Saturday subjected himself to marathon questioning by the SIT in two sessions lasting for almost 10 hours. (Watch: A fitting reply to my critics, says Modi)

Modi, who has been named as one of the 63 accused in the petition filed by Zakiya Jafri, widow of Congress MP Ehsan Jafri who was killed by rioters in Gulbarg Society of Ahmedabad, was questioned by a team of officers headed by A K Malhotra, a former CBI DIG. (Watch: Zakiya Jafri reacts)

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Raghavan was not present in his office when Modi appeared in response to the panel's summons. Raghavan said it was not mandatory for him to be present at the questioning.

Reacting to his interrogation by the SIT on Saturday, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said: "In the last eight years, for the first time someone wanted to question me. I came in for questioning on the first date they mentioned. Those who are spreading rumours about me not answering for eight years, I ask God to give them some good sense. We should always create the right atmosphere where laws can be upheld."

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After coming out of his second round of questioning on late Saturday night, Modi also said, "He has been on trial by the media for eight years." 

Reacting to the questioning, BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, "Well appearance of Modi in front of SIT has completely demolished all the mischievous speculation for the last seven days. We personally believe that Modi has enhanced his political prestige."

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"It indicates the position and stand of the BJP, because the party had said that Modi has the highest respect for the law of the country and for the Constitution of India. By appearing before the SIT, I think he has enhanced the prestige of his state, as well as his own and has come out with flying colours. This is a political victory for all of us," Rudy added.