Nagaon, April 24: A District and Sessions Court in Nagaon has sentenced 20 individuals to life imprisonment in connection with the brutal Abhi-Neel mob lynching case that shocked Assam in 2018. The court also imposed a fine of ₹20,000 on each of the convicts.
 |
| Abhijeet Nath and Neelotpal Das. (File Photo) |
The verdict, delivered after a prolonged eight-year trial, relates to the killing of Abhijit Nath and Nilotpal Das, popularly known as Abhi and Neel, who were lynched by a mob at Dokmoka in Karbi Anglong district on June 8, 2018.
Out of 48 people originally accused in the case, the court found 20 guilty, while 25 were acquitted and released. The remaining three accused are either absconding or reported to be deceased.
Those convicted include Biswa Ram Swargiary, Pantheng Basumatary, Alphajoz Timung, Inosen Engti, Raikom Timung, Ratneswar Terang, Phukan Lekhte, Anos Timung, Pres Timung, Rupsing Kro, Dhono Mech, Babu Singh Kro, Bikram Hanse, Sikhari alias Sikari Rongpi, Babu Rongpi alias Busu Rongpi, Bidyasing Rongpi, Mensing Kro, Dipjyoti Basumatary, Waresh Rongpi alias Matijong Rongpi, and Onda Mech alias Janna Mech.
ALSO READ: Gauhati High Court Rejects Pawan Khera’s Anticipatory Bail Plea in Passport Allegations Case
The lynching of the two young men, who were travelling in the area, had triggered widespread outrage across the state and renewed debates over mob violence and misinformation.
The court’s ruling marks a significant milestone in the long legal battle for justice in one of Assam’s most disturbing mob lynching incidents.
