2 ULFA get lifer for Sanjay killing

Adhoc Additional Sessions Judge, Kamrup has awarded life sentence to two of the accused in the sensational Sanjoy Ghosh kidnap and murder case. Both belong to the ULFA. In his verdict, Sessions Judge P. K. Phukan pronounced life imprisonment to Moni Neog and Kania Hazarika, who were involved in the kidnapping of Sanjoy Ghosh. An additional six months rigorous imprisonment has also been pronounced if they fail to pay a fine of Rs 2,000 each.

The court found all eleven ULFA cadres named in the case guilty of kidnap and murder of the social worker Sanjoy Ghosh. However, three of them, Anjan Borthakur. Chiraj Bora, Anup Borua and Babul Saikia were killed in encounters have died, while six are absconding and only two are in judicial custody. Those ‘absconding’ are Paresh Barua, Naresh Barua, Phatik Hatimoria, Pradip Bora, Mridul Hazarika.

As many as 31 persons appeared as witnesses in this case. The court, referring to a recent Supreme Court verdict, said that "abduction is human rights violation which creates terror in the minds of people," and, therefore, the persons involved in such inhuman cases should get maximum punishment. The verdict was given under Section 364/34 of the Indian Penal Code.

Sanjoy Ghosh of AVARD NE, an NGO, and Chandan Doley were abducted by ULFA rebels on July 4, 1997 from Majuli. Chandan Doley could manage to escape from the grip of the rebels while Sanjoy Ghosh was reportedly shot dead at Rabichapari in Majuli sub-division. The Assam Government had handed over the case to the CBI in 1999.

The special court closed the case, saying it would automatically be reopened if any of the six absconders were ever arrested by the security forces. Later, the defence counsel informed news persons present in the court that they would move the High Court to challenge the verdict.

| Assam | North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |