Gauhati HC transfers Dokmoka lynching case to Nagaon

Diphu (Assam), September 05, 2018:

The Gauhati High Court has transferred the Dokmoka lynching case to the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nagaon and directed the District and Sessions Judge to take up the trial herself.

The court of Chief Justice Ajit Singh and Justice Manojit Bhuyan said the District and Sessions Judge, Nagaon should herself take up the trial in the case and not assign it to any Additional District and Sessions Judge.

The court directed the District and Sessions Judge to fast-track trial and conclude it “at the earliest”.

The court added, “Considering the fact that certain quarters have been trying to create ethno-communal tension over the issue and surcharged atmosphere following the incident, there has arisen a reasonable apprehension that witnesses will not be able to depose at the trial in a manner uncircumscribed by fear and undue influence, should the trial be held within Karbi Anglong.”

The court also stated, “Moreover, the parents of the victims have also prayed for holding the trial outside Karbi Anglong. There also exists the likelihood that not only the witnesses but also the prosecutors will be threatened. Under the circumstances, it may not be possible to conduct a free and fair trial within Karbi Anglong”.