Nagaon Court Convicts 20 in Abhi-Neel Murder Case After 8 Years | Sentencing on April 24
Guwahati, April 20: In a landmark development that brings partial relief to the people of Assam, the Nagaon District and Sessions Judge’s Court has convicted 20 individuals in the sensational Abhi-Neel murder case after a prolonged trial lasting over eight years.
The court delivered its verdict on Monday, finding 20 of the accused guilty in the brutal 2018 mob lynching of two talented Guwahati youths — Abhijit Nath (Abhi) and Nilotpal Das (Neel). The quantum of punishment for the convicts will be announced on 24 April.
The family of Abhi-Neel, along with the entire Assamese community, has expressed a sense of relief following the conviction, even as they continue to demand the death penalty for all the guilty persons.
Background of the Abhi-Neel Murder Case
The tragic incident occurred on 8 June 2018 in Panjuri village under Dokmoka Police Station in Karbi Anglong district. Abhijit Nath and Nilotpal Das, both nature enthusiasts from Guwahati, were returning from a trip to enjoy the scenic beauty of Karbi Anglong when they were attacked by a frenzied mob.
The assault was triggered by a false rumour spread on social media alleging that the two young men were child-lifters. Despite their desperate pleas for life, the mob brutally lynched them. The heart-wrenching screams of the victims continue to haunt the collective conscience of Assam even today.
The horrific incident not only sparked massive protests across Assam but also drew widespread condemnation across India and even reached international attention, including protests in Russia.
Swift Police Action and Investigation
The Diphu Police acted swiftly after the incident. A total of 48 persons were arrested in connection with the Abhi-Neel murder case. Three of them were declared juveniles and sent to a juvenile home, while the remaining 45 accused were sent to Nagaon Central Jail.
Under the leadership of the then Diphu Superintendent of Police G.V. Shiva Prasad and Investigating Officer Inspector Kamal Rajbanshi, with assistance from Additional SP Muzaffar Hussain and other officers, the police filed an 800-page charge sheet within just three months. The case was registered as Case No. 33/2018 at the local police station.
Long-Drawn Trial in Nagaon Court
The trial initially began in Diphu but was later transferred to the Nagaon District and Sessions Court on the request of the victims’ family, following directions from the Gauhati High Court on 4 September 2018.
The court recorded the testimonies of 71 witnesses amid several delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, judge transfers, and other procedural issues. After completion of arguments from both the prosecution and defence sides, the final hearing concluded on 13 March.
On Monday, the Nagaon Court convicted 20 accused and acquitted 25 others in the Abhi-Neel murder case.
Demand for Strictest Punishment
While the sentencing is scheduled for 24 April, the family of Abhi and Neel, along with various organisations and the people of Assam, are demanding the harshest punishment — death penalty — for the convicted individuals to set a strong example against mob violence and rumour-mongering.
The Abhi-Neel murder case remains one of the most shocking examples of mob lynching in Assam, highlighting the dangerous consequences of fake news and mob justice.
This verdict is being seen as a significant step towards delivering justice in a case that had shaken the entire state and the nation eight years ago.
