In a significant development, the Gauhati High Court has upheld its 2018 verdict, giving a clean chit to former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta in the infamous “secret killings” case. The court dismissed the accusations against Mahanta, stating that they were part of a “conspiracy” and that no evidence was found to implicate him in the killings.
Understanding the “Secret Killings” Case
The term “secret killings” refers to a series of extrajudicial killings that took place between 1998 and 2001 in Assam, where over 400 individuals, primarily family members of ULFA militants, lost their lives. It was alleged that the killings were carried out by the police in collaboration with surrendered ULFA cadres.
Court’s Findings and Mahanta’s Reaction
Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, who served from 1996 to 2001, had been accused of involvement in the killings. However, the Gauhati High Court stated that there was no substantial evidence to support these allegations. The court further declared that the accusations against Mahanta were part of a “conspiracy” orchestrated by certain politicians and political parties to tarnish his reputation.
Mahanta expressed his satisfaction with the court’s verdict, stating that it had reaffirmed his faith in the judicial system. He extended his gratitude to the court for upholding the truth.
Controversy Surrounding the “Secret Killings” Case
The “secret killings” case has remained a contentious issue in Assam for an extended period. Initially reopened in 2005 by the Congress-led government, it was subsequently closed in 2010. Later, in 2016, the BJP-led government reopened the case, only to close it again in 2018.
With the Gauhati High Court’s recent ruling, this verdict stands as the final decision in the long-standing case.
