Bail for Paraolon ambush accused
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 08 2022:
The Division Bench of Manipur High Court has on Monday granted bail to the accused of Paraolon ambush Khumlo Abi Anal, self styled chairman of NSCN (K) Chandel region.
At least 18 personnel of Dogra Regiment were killed in the ambush on June 4, 2015 .
The order was passed by the Division Bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice MV Muralidaran.
The Court mentioned that the accused is facing Special Trial of NIA after he was arrested on June 11, 2015 in connection with the case.
NIA submitted a charge-sheet against the accused and 18 other persons in January, 2016.
The Special Court NIA had earlier rejected three bail applications filed by the accused.
The counsel of the accused submitted that only a handful of witnesses have been examined since the filing of the charge-sheet and argued that the trial will not conclude any time soon.
Prolonged incarceration of the accused was unfair and unjust as he is not yet proven guilty, the counsel said and added that delay in trial violates his certain rights.
The counsel prayed for the release of the appellant.
The Court after hearing both parties observed that the accused has been incarcerated for over six and a half years but the trial is not likely to end any time soon.
Though the trial is proceeding, its progress has been impacted by the Covid pandemic, the Court said and observed that the accused has also spent sufficient time in prison.
The Court then directed to release the accused with the condition that he shall furnish a personal bond for Rs 2,00,000/- along with two sureties.