DERGAON, June 26 � Thirteen persons, including four women, of Gobindpur TE in Golaghat district were awarded life imprisonment by Golaghat Session Court today for their involvement in the murder of Rupak Gogoi, proprietor of Gobindpur TE, in 2005.
Rupak was the younger son of former Finance Minister late Jibakanta Gogoi and husband of present Khumtai MLA Bismita Gogoi.
According to information, Rupak was killed on February 11, 2005 over alleged nonpayment of wages to the labourers. Rupak was set on fire by his labourers. Later Rupak�s elder brother Dipak lodged an FIR at Golaghat PS and a case was registered there. The case was investigated by CID.
At the very beginning, a total of 250 labourers surrendered before the police and later 79 of them were identified as involved in the murder. But nine of them died in the course of last seven years and finally chargesheet was filed against the remaining 70 accused.
The court of Session Justice T Lohar gave the verdict today. Those who were awarded life imprisonment included Satu Gowala, Ajay Ahari, Chandu Orang, Bahua Goal, Mangal Sahu, Maheswari Mahi, Sanua Orang, Ramesh Bhumij, Bogai Panika, Vensai Kheria, Joymati Tanti, Sukar Orang and Kanua Orang. The court also fixed Rs 1,000 as fine failing which another six months imprisonment will be added.
