Nagaon Session Court delivers verdict, sentencing for convicts scheduled on April 24
Nagaon: In a landmark judgement, the Nagaon Session Court has convicted 20 individuals in connection with the 2018 mob lynching of Abhijit Nath and Nilotoal Das in Dokmoka’s Panjuri village, in Karbi Anglong district. At the same time, the court acquitted 25 others, citing insufficient evidence. The sentencing for those convicted is scheduled for April 24.
Those found guilty include Bishwaram Swargiary, Panteng Basumatary, Alafajkloz Timung, Innocent Ingti, Raikong Timung, Ratneswar Terang, Phukan Lekti, Ench Timung, Presh Timung, Rupsing Kro, Dhanu Mech, Babusingh Kro, Bikram Hanse, Chikari Rongpi, Babu Rongpi, Vidya Singh Rongpi, Mensing Kro, Deepjyoti Basumatary, Rarish Rongpi, and Onda Mech.
The case dates back to June 8, 2018, when the two victims were attacked by a mob after being wrongly suspected of child abduction amid rumours circulating in the area. The incident sparked widespread outrage and drew attention to the dangers of misinformation and mob violence.
Following the attack, Assam Police arrested 48 individuals, including three juveniles. The charge sheet was filed in 2024, and the trial was later shifted from Diphu to the Nagaon Sessions Court on the directions of the Gauhati High Court.
During the trial, senior advocate Bijon Mahajan represented the victims’ families, while advocate Manas Sarania appeared for the defence. Ziaul Kamar was appointed as Special Public Prosecutor by the state.
With the verdict now delivered, attention now shifts to the sentencing phase, which will determine the punishment for those held guilty.
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