7 armymen, including a Major General, given life sentence by Army court for fake encounter

7 armymen, including a Major General, given life sentence by Army court for fake encounter




Summary General court martial (SGCM) sentenced seven Indian army personnel including a Major General to life imprisonment for their involvement in a fake encounter case that had taken place in Assam in 1994. 

In 1994 manger of tea estate was killed by Ulfa militants and army personnel from18 Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army detained nine youths of Tinsukia districts alleging their role in the killing. 

Allegedly, five students leaders were killed by the Army in a fake encounter branding them as Ulfa militants while four others were released at a jungle by threatening them at gun point. 

The then All Assam Students’ Union Leader Jagadish Bhuyan filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the Gauhati High court seeking to know the details of these youths. 

The High Court ordered the Army to produce the nine AASU leaders at the nearest police station. Later, the army produced five bodies at the Dholla Police Station. 

Investigation of the case was later handed over to CBI, which charge-sheeted seven Army personnel as guilty. 

The Gauhati High Court has asked the Army to go for court marital, which was challenged by the Army in the Supreme Court. 

On being asked by the Supreme Court the Army started the process of holding the Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the encounter on July 16 and concluded the process on July 27. 

“Justice is finally delivered in the infamous Dangari encounter case where five innocent youths were killed. The verdict of the court martial yesterday once again brought to the fore the neutrality of Indian Army. It has proved that one must have faith in Indian judicial system, democracy and the discipline and neutrality of an Institution like Indian Army,” said Jagadish Bhuyan, who has been fighting the case for last 24 years.

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