Laii shooting case: CJM grants bail; rules incident as 'accidental'
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, September 09 2025: Yambothang Raimai alias Reiveini (29), son of S Dale, a resident of Phuba Khuman village, presently residing at Poulea Colony, Senapati DHQ, was granted bail on Tuesday after the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) concluded that the shooting incident at Laii was accidental and not intentional as projected earlier.

The incident occurred on August 30, 2025, at around 8.40 pm, when Nagaland based Hombill TV Reporter Dip Saikia was shot twice - once on the right leg and another on right chest near his armpit while returning after covering the Zinnia festival at Laii.

The accused, alleged to have fired the pellets from his airgun, was arrested within 24 hours by Senapati Police.

During the investigation, the accused admitted to firing the two shots but maintained that he had been shooting at birds and had no intention of harming anyone.

In his bail application, the defence counsel argued that the accused is a Sunday School teacher at Poumai Baptist Church, Poulea, Senapati, with no prior criminal record, and that the incident was purely accidental.

It was further noted that the victim himself forgave the accused, stating he believed there was no malicious intent.

Taking into consideration the accidental nature of the event, the Court granted bail with a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety, under the following condition: i) the accused to cooperate with investigation ii) the accused to not tamper with evidence iii) the accused to appear before the Court as and when called, and iv) the accused to informed any change of address to police.

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