The Dhemaji District & Session Court on Thursday deferred the pronouncement of verdict in the 2004 Dhemaji blast case and posted the matter for hearing on July 4 after the sudden death of a defence counsel.
The much awaited verdict of Dhemaji blast case, which was fixed for pronouncement on Thursday, postponed following a prayer submitted by Dhemaji District Bar Association.
Defence counsel Ghanashyam Lahon, who was the secretary of Dhemaji District Bar Association, died in a road mishap last midnight.
Lahon met with a car accident at Jiyadhal portion of the highway while returning home after attending a meeting at Dhemaji town.
The Dhemaji District & Session Court taking cognizance of the bomb blast case framed charges against the accused persons under sections 120/120B/121A/122/302/326 of the Indian Penal Code.
The Court during prosecution of the case examined as many as 55 witnesses including members of the victim families.
13 people, including 10 school children, died and more than 40 persons seriously injured in the blast triggered by ULFA on August 15, 2004 during the Independence Day celebration at Dhemaji parade ground.
The IED bomb which was planted at a corner of the play ground exploded at the eve of hoisting the national flag in presence of government officers, security personnel, besides students and teachers of various schools were attending the I-Day function.
Five years after the incident, ULFA (I) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah sought public apology for the incident.
Dhemaji police following investigation of the case filed chargesheet against 15 persons including hardcore ULFA cadre Rashid Bhorali, who was said to be mastermind of the blast.