Concerns over IO not opposing pre-arrest bail

SHILLONG: Concerns have been raised over the Investigation Officer (IO) not opposing the pre- arrest bail moved by the counsel for the two accused, Teibor Swer and Bhalang Shylla in the brutal assault of the youth, Batskhem Pala of Sutnga Pohshnong, in West Jaintia Hills.
The video of the assault of the youth which went viral shows that the victim was tied with a rope, beaten up and kicked.
The accusation against the victim was that he stole a blanket and a television set.
K Paul, on behalf of the petitioner, had submitted during the hearing on Wednesday that the accused had caught the thief and beat him by way of slapping him and now the police are after the accused.
The IO made the 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.
Following this, the High Court of Meghalaya had granted pre-arrest bail to the two accused.
Concerned over the matter, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said on Thursday that she was shocked to learn that the IO had not raised any objections against the pre-arrest bail
According to Kharshiing, the Court was misled by the IO that the victim sustained only simple injury where as the brutal beating had caused severe injuries and it was not caused by just a slap.
Kharshiing said that the Court had even asked whether the victim was free and the IO never informed that he was put in jail and still lodged there.
She also said that while the defense counsel will protect his client, it was strange that the Government pleader kept quiet and did not apprise the actual position to the Court.