On February 27, 2002, a train carrying Hindu pilgrims from Ayodhya was set on fire at Godhra, a small town in Panchmahal district of Gujarat, resulting in the deaths of 59 people. The incident sparked widespread violence against Muslims in various parts of Gujarat, leading to one of the worst communal riots in the state's history. The violence, which lasted for several days, claimed over 1,000 lives, mostly Muslims, and left thousands displaced.