Following Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh was declared tax-free by the Sabarmati Report

The Hindi film *The Sabarmati Report*, which delves into the tragic and controversial 2002 Godhra train burning incident in Gujarat, was granted tax-free status in Chhattisgarh by the state’s BJP government on Tuesday, November 19. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai made the announcement, confirming that the film would be exempt from the state’s entertainment tax, making it more accessible to the public. The movie, starring actor Vikrant Massey in the role of a journalist, is a cinematic attempt to present an honest and detailed portrayal of the incident that led to widespread communal riots across Gujarat.

By declaring the film tax-free, Chhattisgarh becomes the second BJP-ruled state after Madhya Pradesh to offer this benefit to *The Sabarmati Report*. The film was released in theaters on November 15, and it has already sparked considerable debate due to its sensitive treatment of a highly contentious event in Indian history. The film portrays the tragic incident that occurred on February 27, 2002, when the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire near Godhra station, resulting in the deaths of 59 people, mostly karsevaks, and triggering violent communal riots across Gujarat. This event and its aftermath have been subjects of intense political and social scrutiny over the years, with conflicting narratives surrounding the causes and the people responsible.

In an official statement, the Chhattisgarh government’s public relations department explained the significance of the film, stating that *The Sabarmati Report* seeks to uncover the truth of the Godhra train burning incident, which occurred 22 years ago. The statement highlighted that an understanding of the past can guide the present and future, urging people to watch the film to comprehend the depth of the tragedy and its long-lasting impact. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the movie, calling it a commendable and effective effort to expose the horrific truths of history that certain vested interests tried to conceal. He further remarked that the film sensitively handles the painful incident, while also drawing attention to the system that attempted to suppress the truth through false narratives. 

The film’s focus on revealing historical truths is timely, as it comes at a moment when debates about the legacy of the 2002 riots continue to shape political discourse in India. The decision to grant tax-free status reflects the government’s support for efforts to engage with and examine this contentious chapter in India’s history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was Gujarat's Chief Minister at the time of the Godhra incident, also weighed in on the significance of *The Sabarmati Report*. On Sunday, he shared his thoughts on the film via social media platform X, echoing the sentiment that false narratives can only endure for so long. Modi’s comments reinforced the idea that *The Sabarmati Report* is an important tool in exposing the truth of one of the most divisive and shameful events in recent Indian history.

The film’s release and the political support it is receiving have made it a focal point in discussions about historical memory, truth, and justice in India. *The Sabarmati Report* does not simply recount the events of the past but challenges the long-standing narratives that have shaped public perception of the incident. By depicting the story from the perspective of a journalist, the film strives to offer a more balanced and investigative approach to understanding the Godhra tragedy, moving beyond political ideologies to present the complex and painful realities of what transpired. 

The broader context of this release highlights how films like *The Sabarmati Report* can become powerful tools in shaping societal narratives. By offering a platform for voices that were once suppressed, the film plays a key role in opening up critical conversations about India’s communal history and the ways in which it continues to influence contemporary politics and society.