7 Years of Abhi-Neel’s Lynching: Families Still Await Justice, Pain Lingers, Hope Fades

On the 7th anniversary, their families are not only mourning their sons but also fighting against a justice system that seems to have all but forgotten them.

7 years have passed since the brutal mob lynching of Abhijit Nath and Nilotpal Das in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. Yet, justice remains a distant dream for the grieving families of the two young men.

On June 8, 2018, the serene hills of Dokmoka in Karbi Anglong turned into a site of horror when the two friends who had travelled there to explore the picturesque Kangthilangso were mistaken for child abductors and lynched by a mob of nearly 50 people.

On the 7th anniversary, their families are not only mourning their sons but also fighting against a justice system that seems to have all but forgotten them.

Abhijit’s mother said, “We lost our only child. We know how painful it is to live each day after that. It is such a transparent case, how brutally the innocent boys were killed, do not know what is taking so long to get them justice. We are waiting and hoping they will be given justice before we are dead. However, we also fear that before Abhi and Neel will be delivered justice, we will be dead.”

She also said “I want to meet CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and tell him my agony, the mother’s pain, I am sure he will understand and look into the case. CM should interfere and look into the details what is going on and why the delay.”

On the 7th death anniversary of Nilotpal Das, his father said, “7 years passed by but they are yet to get justice. Forget about conviction, statements of the accused have also not been recorded yet. The biggest question is what is the government doing to give the duo justice and to prevent any such incident in future and make a law against mob lynching?”

The incident in 2018 shocked the entire nation and triggered widespread outrage. But as the case languishes in court, the families say they are being made to suffer repeatedly this time by the slow wheels of justice.

Abhijit and Nilotpal were mercilessly beaten by the mob, their cries for mercy falling on deaf ears.

In a viral video, bloodied Nilotpal, hands folded and voice breaking, pleaded, “Don’t kill me… I am an Assamese. Believe me, I am speaking the truth. My father’s name is Gopal Chandra Das and mother’s name is Radhika Das… please let me go.”

The accused were taken into custody and judicial proceedings were initiated. But even after 7 years, the trial has seen minimal progress.

Critical hearings have been delayed repeatedly. In a fresh twist, the defence has now sought that one of the accused be declared a juvenile another setback in a case already marred by procedural lags, said Nilotpal’s father.

Also Read: Young Woman From Assam’s Dima Hasao Missing Since June 5 In Delhi

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