20 convicted, 25 acquitted in Abhi–Neel lynching case; Sentencing on April 24

The District and Sessions Court in Nagaon on April 20, delivered its verdict in the 2018 Abhi–Neel mob lynching case, convicting 20 out of 45 accused, while acquitting 25 due to lack of sufficient evidence.
 

The case pertains to the killing of two young men from Guwahati, Abhijit Nath and Nilotpal Das, who were lynched by a mob on June 8, 2018, at Panjuri Kachari village under Dokmoka police station in Karbi Anglong district.
 

According to the prosecution, the victims were attacked on suspicion of being child lifters, a rumour widely circulated on social media at the time. Despite identifying themselves and pleading for their lives, they were assaulted in public view. Videos of the incident later surfaced online, sparking widespread outrage across Assam.
 

The court, after examining the evidence, found 20 accused guilty under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 (murder) read with Section 149 (common object), along with sections related to unlawful assembly, rioting, and assault on public servants.
 

However, the court acquitted 25 accused persons, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against them beyond reasonable doubt. It also noted that certain charges, including mischief and abetment, could not be substantiated against several individuals.
 

The Superintendent of Central Jail, Nagaon, has been directed to release the acquitted individuals, provided they are not required in any other case.

 

Reacting to the verdict, Nilotpal Das’s father expressed dissatisfaction over the acquittals and said he would approach the Gauhati High Court after consulting legal experts.
 

The incident had triggered protests across the state, with civil society groups and citizens demanding justice and stronger action against mob violence fueled by misinformation.
 

Sentencing for the 20 convicted persons is scheduled to be pronounced on April 24.
 

The verdict marks a significant development in one of Assam’s most disturbing cases of mob lynching in recent years.