SHILLONG — KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar has been granted 14 days’ interim bail by a Shillong sessions court after the death of his father. He must surrender on 1 October.
Najiar has been in judicial custody since the night of 19 August, when he was arrested with KSU president Raymond Kharjana and vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet after violence erupted during a black-flag bike rally in Shillong.
The incidents included stone-pelting and vandalism. Cases were registered at more than one police station; additional charges were later added in matters involving the Sadar, Mawlai and Rynjah stations. The three leaders have been produced before the court several times as the investigation continued.
The latest order is grounded in humanitarian considerations. It allows Najiar to remain out of custody until 1 October so that he can be with his family. It does not dispose of the cases against him.
Police have also arrested three other KSU leaders in connection with the same set of events: Jeremiah Pohthmi, Samuel Kharbani and Banjop Dkhar. Najiar’s interim release changes his immediate status. It does not close the proceedings. He is required to return to court on the stated date while the investigation continues.
