Dhemaji Blast Case: Court awards life imprisonment to four convicts & jail term of 4 years to two

Dhemaji: After 15 years, the Dhemaji District and Session Judge Court on Thursday awarded life imprisonment to four convicts and a four-year jail term to two other convicts in 2004 Dhemaji Blast Case.

The court in its verdict had convicted Muhi Handique, Jatin Duwari, Dipanjali Gohain, Lila Gogoi alias Lila Khanok for life imprisonment and Prashanta Bhuyan and Hemen Gogoi for 4 years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 5000.

It is to be noted that eight other accused namely Jaya Chutia, Min Baruah, Jiten Chutia, Apsara Baruah, Gobin Kalita, Jai Chandra Chutia, Chandranath Gogoi, Mohan Chutia were found not guilty in the 2004 Dhemaji Blast Case.

History

Dhemaji school bombing took place on the occasion of Independence Day in 2004. At least 18 were reportedly killed and 40 sustained grievous injuries leading to disability in an explosion that rocked the Dhemaji College ground at around 9:30 am. Most of the victims were schoolchildren aged between 12 and 14 and their mothers.

The bomb which was planted near the college-gate was triggered by a remote-controlled device. It was exploded when the students and teachers of various schools were passing through the gate.

A total of 15 accused were convicted in the sensational 2004 Dhemaji Blast incident, as per the information. The accused were identified as Jatin Duwori alias Rongmon, Leela Khan, Dipanjali Gohain, Muhi Handique, Prasanta Bhuyan, Mohan Chutia, Chandra Nath Gogoi, Homen Gogoi, Gobin Kalita, Joy Chandra Chutia, Apsara Baruah, Jaya Chutia, Jiten Chutia, Meen Baruah and Rashid Bharali.

It is to be noted that the court read out the charges framed under sections 120/120B/121A/122/302/326 of the Indian Penal Code.

Reaction of ULFA-I

The blast was executed by outlawed faction United Liberation Front of Asom- Independent (ULFA-I). Later, ULFA-I Commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah sought apology for killing 18 school children in the blast after 5 years of the incident.

Details

It may further be mentioned that on the occasion of Independence Day, on August 15, 2004, people, most were school children and their mothers, gathered at Dhemaji College ground for Independence Day parade. At around 9:30 am a bomb went off killing at least 18 and injuring many more. According to police the bomb was planted near the college-gate and triggered by a remote-controlled device. It was exploded when the students and teachers of various schools were passing through the gate.

Consequences of the incident

Soon after the incident the local people allegedly attacked the police vehicles at the site for failure to protect the parade. Later, Police had to launch a lathi charge and fire tear gas to bring the situation under control.

Moreover, the Superintendent of Police T. Thangou and the Additional Superintendent of Police Abu Sufian of Dhemaji were suspended for negligence of duty. The Deputy Commissioner was transferred for the security lapse.

Imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act

The then Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government imposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the disturbed areas of the State to avoid the increasing activities by the rebel groups in the region.

Also Read: Dhemaji Blast 2004: Defence Lawyer reportedly dies in accident, verdict postponed to July 4