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

Dhemaji: In a shocking incident, Ghanashyam Lahon working as a defence lawyer to four of the convicts of the sensational Dhemaji Blast case and secretary of the Dhemaji Bar Association was reportedly killed in an accident on Friday.

It is to be noted that the Dhemaji court on June 20, 2019 had delayed the final verdict to the sensational 2004 Dhemaji blast case after the Dhemaji Bar Association made an appeal to postpone its judgement following the demise of the secretary of the Dhemaji Bar Association.

As per reports, the court had now postponed the judgment date to July 4, 2019

After a wait of fifteen long years, the Court was about to pronounce its judgment into the 2004 Dhemaji blast today.

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.

Earlier, 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 Incident 2004: Court to pronounce verdict Tomorrow