Assam Court Delivers Verdict in 2018 Karbi Anglong Lynching Case
In a significant development, a district court in Assam has delivered its verdict in a high-profile lynching case that shook the nation over seven years ago. On Monday, the Nagaon District Sessions Court convicted 20 individuals for their involvement in the brutal mob killing of two friends in Assam's Karbi Anglong district in June 2018.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The case dates back to June 8, 2018, when sound engineer Nilotpal Das (29) and businessman Abhijeet Nath (31) were attacked by a mob while returning from a visit to the Kangthilangso picnic spot in Karbi Anglong. The two friends had traveled to the scenic area to capture nature sounds and enjoy the picturesque landscape.
According to court documents and witness accounts, a group of agitated villagers stopped their vehicle at Panjuri, forcibly pulled them out, and began assaulting them based on unfounded suspicions that they were child lifters. Despite their desperate pleas captured in a viral social media video where they repeatedly denied being child lifters, the mob continued its violent attack.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
District Sessions Judge DJ Mahanta presided over the case, which saw a total of 48 individuals arrested initially. The court found 20 of the accused guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Murder committed by one or more members of an unlawful assembly
- Rioting with deadly weapons
- Obstructing public servants from performing official duties
- Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
However, in a parallel development, the court acquitted 25 other individuals who had been arrested in connection with the case. Judge Mahanta noted that "the prosecution failed to prove its case against 25 others" and specifically mentioned that charges of murder, unlawful assembly, and rioting could not be substantiated against those acquitted.
Sentencing and Legal Implications
The court has scheduled the sentencing for the convicted individuals on April 24. All 20 convicted persons, along with their legal counsel, have been directed to be present in court for the pronouncement of their sentences.
Regarding the acquitted individuals, Judge Mahanta issued specific instructions to the Superintendent of Nagaon Central Jail to release them immediately, as they have been in judicial custody since their arrest. It's noteworthy that three other accused in the case were minors at the time of the incident and are currently lodged at the Jorhat Juvenile Home, with their cases being handled separately through the juvenile justice system.
Case History and Family Reactions
The legal journey of this case began with its first hearing at the Diphu court on November 8, 2018. Subsequently, the Gauhati High Court transferred the case to the district and sessions' judges' court in Nagaon for further proceedings.
The tragic incident unfolded when police rushed the severely injured friends to a hospital, but both succumbed to their injuries during transportation. The families of both victims have expressed disappointment with the acquittal of 25 individuals, highlighting the emotional toll of the prolonged legal process.
This verdict comes nearly eight years after the incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed discussions about mob violence, vigilantism, and the need for stronger legal protections against such crimes in India.
