HC seeks explanation on IO’s report into the brutal attack on social activist

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 6, 2019

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the investigation officer (IO) probing into the November 8, 2018-brutal attack on two women activists, to submit a detailed explanation on how he has got the statement of the main accused Nidamon Chulet who had alleged Agnes Kharshiing of indulging in “illegal collection of money”.

In an order passed here on Wednesday, Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir said, “The status report as filed by the IO is suggestive of the fact that the investigation no doubt is in full swing but at the same time para 6 of the status report is required to be explained by the IO as to how and in what circumstances he has got the statement of the accused Nidamon Chulet, first under section 161 and then, under section 164 CrPC.”

In his status report, Investigation Officer Gilbert AL Marshillong said Nidamon in his statement before the police on December 26, last year, has also disclosed that he had filed one FIR at Khliehriat police station about the illegal collection of money from goods and clinker carrier trucks at Kongong along NH-6 by one Marshal Biam.

“In the statement of the accused Nidamon Chulet has made the allegation that Marshal Biam has asked the money for the organisation named North East Indigenous People Federation and Biam also informed that since Nidamon has filed one FIR against him, so he now pressurised Ndiamon to immediately withdraw the FIR and for which he has to arrange a sum of Rs 20 lakhs for himself and Rs 5 lakh for Agnes Kharshiing,” the IO stated.

He said the statement of accused Nidamon Chulet has been recorded u/s 164 CrPC before the judicial magistrate on January 15. Furthermore, statement recorded u/s 161 CrPC on December 26, 2018 has been reiterated in the statement made before learned magistrate u/s 164 CrPC, Marshillong said.

Meanwhile, the AG informed that the investigation of the case will be completed as early as possible and the IO will submit a detailed explanation as to how he has got the statement of the accused.

The Court has listed the matter for hearing after ten days.

It may be mentioned here, social activist Agnes Kharshiing and her aide Amita Sangma received grievous injuries after they were brutally attacked by a group of 30-40 people at Tuber Sohshrieh village in East Jaintia Hills District, just after taking pictures of coal laden trucks on November 8, last year.

Amita has also identified Nidamon Chulet to be the mastermind behind the attack. Nidamon later arrested after he surrendered before the police on December 25, last year.

Featured Image Sources: Internet