Guwahati, April 24 -- A sessions court in Nagaon has sentenced 20 persons to life imprisonment in the Abhi-Neel lynching case, nearly eight years after the incident that had sparked nationwide outrage.

Pronouncing the sentence, Sessions Judge Dibyajyoti Mahanta awarded life imprisonment to all 20 convicts under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, along with a fine of Rs 20,000 each.

Those convicted include Biswa Ram Swargiary, Pantheng Basumatary, Alphajoz Timung, Inosen Engti, Raikom Timung, Ratneswar Terrang, Phukan Lekhte, Anos Timung, Pres Timung, Rupsing Kro, Dhono Mech, Babu Singh Kro, Bikram Hanse, Sikari Rongpi, Babu Rongpi, Bidyasing Rongpi, Mensing Kro, Dipjyoti Basumatary, Wares Rongpi and Onda Mech.

The convictions follow...