The Gauhati High Court has acquitted all six people convicted for being involved in the infamous 2004 bomb blast in Assam's Dhemaji district, killing 13 people, including 10 schoolchildren.
On July 4, 2019, the Dhemaji District and Sessions Judge's Court sentenced Dipanjali Borgohain, Lila Gogoi, Muhi Handique, and Jatin Dowari to life imprisonment, while two others, Prashanta Bhuyan and Hemen Gogoi, were given a four-year jail term. Dipanjali Borgohain, Lila Gogoi, Jatin Dowari, and Muhi Handique were convicted and sentenced under various sections of the Explosive Substances Act, and the the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, while Hemen Gogoi was convicted and sentenced under the UAPA.
They were convicted on charges related to a bomb blast that occurred on August 15, 2004, at the Dhemaji College playground, where Independence Day celebrations were being organised. The explosion killed 13 people, including 10 children on the spot, and grievously injured 20. The bomb blast was allegedly triggered by the terror group United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
The convicts later challenged the Dhemaji Court's judgment at the Gauhati High Court. The appellants filed appeals under Section 374(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.) against the judgment passed by the Dhemaji Court.
After hearing the case, Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita of the Gauhati High Court acquitted all six by giving them the "benefit of doubt". "The Prosecution has not been able to prove the guilt of the appellants regarding the charges framed against them. They are acquitted of the charges by giving them the benefit of doubt. As we find the impugned judgment dated 04.07.2019, passed by the learned Trial Court in Sessions Case No. 127(DH)/2011, is not sustainable, the same is set aside accordingly. The state authorities are directed to release the appellants from judicial custody immediately if not wanted in some other criminal case," the Gauhati High Court order read.