SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has granted pre-arrest bail to the two accused in the assault of a youth identified as Batskhem Pala of Sutnga Pohshnong, which went viral on social media in May this year.
The youth was beaten up for stealing a blanket and a television set.
When the case came up for hearing on Wednesday, K. Paul, on behalf of the petitioner, submitted that the accused, Teibor Swer and Bhalang Shylla, had “caught the thief and beat him by way of slapping him and now the police are after the accused” and hence the instant pre-arrest bail was moved.
In response to the last order issued on June 2, the Investigation Officer (IO) appeared along with the case diary led by State counsel H. Kharmih.
The IO made a submission that the victim “sustained simple injury and both the accused persons are cooperating with the investigation”, so he has no objection if the bail is granted.
The Judge, SR Sen, observed that since the IO has no objection, the pre-arrest bail is granted with Rs 50,000 with one surety each of like amount with conditions.
As per the order, the accused persons should not try to interfere with the investigation and they should appear before the IO continuously for a week from Thursday and should not leave station without prior permission of the IO.
Another condition is that the accused persons should not threaten or intimidate the victim or any witnesses and they will be bound to face trial as and when necessary.
