2022 Sonai Murder Verdict: Court Hands Life Terms to Two Brothers in Brutal Killing Case

Two brothers have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a 26-year-old man in South Mohanpur Part-I under Sonai police station in Cachar district in 2022.

Cachar Additional Sessions Judge and Fast Track Court Judge Kiran Lal Baishnab on Wednesday convicted Hossain Ahmed Laskar, 33, and Hasan Ahmed Laskar, 28, for the murder of Abdul Alim Laskar. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 on each convict. In case of non-payment, they will have to serve an additional six months in prison.

According to the prosecution case, the incident took place on October 28, 2022. Abdul Alim was seriously injured during an alleged assault and was taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. He died while undergoing treatment in the early hours of October 30.

Abdul Alim’s grandfather, Abdul Khalique Laskar, subsequently lodged an FIR at Sonai police station naming Hossain and Hasan as accused.

According to the FIR, Hasan went to the victim’s house at around noon on October 28. An argument reportedly broke out after Abdul Alim questioned Hasan about his visit. Other people intervened and the situation was brought under control, following which Hasan left the house.

The prosecution alleged that around two hours later, Hasan returned to the house with his elder brother Hossain. Hossain was allegedly carrying a machete, while Hasan had a piece of wood.

The two allegedly entered Abdul Alim’s room and attacked him. Abdul Alim managed to escape through a rear door and ran towards a nearby paddy field, but the accused allegedly chased him and continued the assault. He sustained serious injuries and was later taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

During the trial, Abdul Khalique told the court that Hasan had gone to the house when Abdul Alim’s wife was alone there. He said Abdul Alim objected to Hasan visiting the house while his wife was alone, which allegedly led to the initial argument.

Hasan denied the allegations and claimed that he was innocent. He also told the court that the two families had an old land dispute and alleged that he had been falsely implicated because of the dispute.

The court, however, found the prosecution’s case supported by witness statements and other evidence produced during the trial. Both brothers were convicted under Sections 302 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Public prosecutor Pradip Kumar Patowary represented the state during the trial, while P Deb and M H Laskar appeared for the defence.