Dhemaji blast case: Verdict postponed to July 4

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: The Dhemaji District Session Judge called off pronouncing the judgement in the heinous Dhemaji blast case on Thursday. On the contrary, he fixed July 4 for the same to determine the fate of 15 persons against whom the Dhemaji District Police submitted chargesheets in connection with the case.

The Session Judge called off the judgement on account of the accidental death of a plaintiff lawyer. He was Ghanashyam Lahon, who was also the secretary of Dhemaji Bar Association. As per report, the lawyer lost his life in a road mishap that took place at Sengelijan of the district on Wednesday night. The lawyer extended legal services for the motion of four plaintiffs of the case.

Notably, on August 15, 2004, the blast at the Independence Day parade ground in Dhemaji College playground jolted not only the State but also the nation. On that day, thousands of people, including students and the employees of Dhemaji district administration, had assembled in the well-decorated playground to celebrate Independence Day. Suddenly the robust sound of a blast rocked the environment. Nobody could ascertain what had happened. The blast, allegedly triggered by ULFA insurgents, claimed the life of 10 innocent children and three women while 21 persons sustained serious injuries.

Regarding the case of the blast with no. 127/2011 US 120B/121/121A/122/302/326 under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which has been under trial in Dhemaji District Session Court, the Dhemaji Police finally submitted chargesheets against 15 persons. They are Jatin Duwari alias Rangman alias Madhurya Gohain, Lila Khan alias Lila Gogoi, Dipanjali Gohain, Muhi Hundique, 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. The name of former cabinet minister Bharat Narah also got connected in the case as a result of which he had to appear before the court to present his evidence. It was alleged at that time that the case was not transferred to CBI due to massive political pressure.

Finally, though June 20 was fixed for the verdict of the case after 15 long years of the condemnable incident, the Session Judge was compelled to postpone the verdict to July 4 due to the death of the lawyer. The families of the victims are looking forward to be rewarded with justice on that day.

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