8-years-on-abhijit-nilotpal-lynching-20-convicted-25-walk-free

A district and sessions court in Assam’s Nagaon on Monday convicted 20 persons and acquitted 25 others in the 2018 mob lynching of two youths from Guwahati, bringing partial closure to one of the state’s most disturbing cases of vigilante violence.

 

The case relates to the killing of Abhijit Nath and Nilotpal Das, who were attacked by a mob on June 8, 2018, at Panjuri Kachari village under Dokmoka police station in Karbi Anglong. The two were targeted on suspicion of being child lifters, fuelled by rumours widely circulated on social media at the time.

 

Despite identifying themselves and pleading for their lives, the victims were assaulted in public view. Videos of the incident later surfaced online, triggering widespread outrage across Assam and beyond.

 

Court finds 20 guilty, cites lack of proof for others

 

After examining the evidence, the court found 20 accused guilty under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including murder under Section 302 read with Section 149 (common object), as well as charges related to unlawful assembly, rioting, and assault on public servants.

Also read: Man lynched on suspicion of child theft in Jharkhand

However, the court acquitted 25 accused, observing that the prosecution failed to establish their involvement beyond reasonable doubt. It noted that several charges, including mischief and abetment, could not be substantiated against a number of individuals.

 

The Superintendent of Central Jail in Nagaon has been directed to release those acquitted, provided they are not required in connection with any other case.

 

Reacting to the verdict, the father of Nilotpal Das expressed dissatisfaction over the acquittals and indicated that the family may challenge the order before the Gauhati High Court after consulting legal experts.

 

The lynching had sparked protests across Assam in 2018, with civil society groups and citizens demanding justice and stronger action against mob violence driven by misinformation.

 

Sentencing for the 20 convicted persons is scheduled to be pronounced on April 24. The verdict marks a significant, though contested, step in a case that became emblematic of the dangers of rumour-fuelled mob vigilantism in India.