Ahmedabad: A local court in Gujarat today (May 6, 2004) issued notices to Chief Minister Narendra Modi and 13 others to file replies by June 24 in a compensation suit filed in connection with the death of two foreigners during the post-Godhra communal riots.

Civil court judge in Himmatnagar district, M M Kayasth instructed the respondents that include the then State Home Minister, Home Secretary, director general of police and others to file their replies by June 24 in connection with the suit that also sought damages to the tune of Rs 22 crores.

The petitioners are Shreen Dawood, Samima Dawood, widows of the two victims and Imran Mohammed Salim Dawood, a riot survivor.

The victims, two UK nationals Saeed Siddiq Dawood and Shakeel Abdul Haid were burnt alive inside their vehicle and their driver was injured when a mob allegedly attacked them near Prantij in the district while going to Surat from Jaipur on February 28, 2002.

The judge told the respondents to file their replies either in presence in the court on June 24 or through their council by the date announced.

The civil judge had admitted the appeal on April 30.