Guwahati: A sessions court in Nagaon has sentenced 20 persons to life imprisonment in the Abhi–Neel lynching case, nearly eight years after the incident that had sparked nationwide outrage.
Pronouncing the sentence, Sessions Judge Dibyajyoti Mahanta awarded life imprisonment to all 20 convicts under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, along with a fine of Rs 20,000 each.
Those convicted include Biswa Ram Swargiary, Pantheng Basumatary, Alphajoz Timung, Inosen Engti, Raikom Timung, Ratneswar Terrang, Phukan Lekhte, Anos Timung, Pres Timung, Rupsing Kro, Dhono Mech, Babu Singh Kro, Bikram Hanse, Sikari Rongpi, Babu Rongpi, Bidyasing Rongpi, Mensing Kro, Dipjyoti Basumatary, Wares Rongpi and Onda Mech.
The convictions follow the court’s April 20 order, in which 20 of the 45 accused were found guilty while 25 others were acquitted after trial. The case relates to the 2018 lynching of the two youths in Karbi Anglong following rumours of child abduction.
Counsel representing the victims’ side, senior advocate Bijan Mahajan, indicated that the court had imposed life imprisonment and monetary penalties on all the convicts in accordance with the charges established during trial.
Despite the convictions, the families of the victims expressed dissatisfaction with the quantum of punishment and are considering challenging the verdict before the Gauhati High Court.