Dhemaji Blast Case: Four Get Lifer, Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) For Two; 8 Acquitted

LAKHIMPUR: The Dhemaji District Session Judge on Thursday pronounced judgement in the Dhemaji blast case that had rocked the State in 2004. The District Session Judge awarded life imprisonment to four out of the 15 accused in the case; four years rigorous imprisonment (RI) to two while eight persons were acquitted for lack of proof. On the other hand, one accused was declared “absconded”.

The accused who have been awarded life imprisonment along with Rs. 10,000 fine are Lila Gogoi, Muhi Handique, Deepanjali Borgohain and Jatin Duwari. The persons acquitted are Jaya Chutia, Mina Baruah, Jiten Chutia, Apsara Baruah, Gobin Kalita, Joy Chandra Chutia, Chandranath Gogoi and Mohan Chutia. As per report, the Session Judge Court has sentenced four years rigorous imprisonment with Rs 5,000 fine to two accused persons — Prashanta Bhuyan and Hemen Gogoi. On the other hand, Rashid Bharali has been declared absconded.

The blast allegedly triggered by ULFA militants on the Independence Day in 2004 at the Dhemaji College playground killed 10 innocent children and three women while 21 others were seriously injured.

Regarding the case — 127/2011 US 120B/121/121A/122/302/326 under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 — which has been under trial in the Dhemaji District Session Court, the Dhemaji Police finally submitted charge sheets against 15 persons. These persons were Jatin Duwari alias Rangman alias Madhurya Gohain, Lila Khan alias Lila Gogoi, Dipanjali Gohain, Muhi Handique, Prashanta Bhuyan, Mohan Chutia, Chandranath Gogoi, Hemen Gogoi alias Binod, Gobin Kalita, Joychandra Chutia, Apsara Baruah, Joya Chutia, Jiten Chutia alias Junti, Mina Baruah and Rashid Bharali.

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