Shillong, Sept 18: A Shillong sessions court has granted Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) general secretary Reuben Najiar 14 days’ interim bail following the death of his father.
Najiar, who was in judicial custody in connection with cases arising from violence during a KSU-sponsored bike rally in Shillong on August 19, was released on interim bail on September 17. He has been directed to surrender on October 1.
Najiar was arrested along with KSU president Raymond Kharjana and vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet after the August 19 black-flag motorcycle rally. Police had registered cases following incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism reported during the rally.
The rally had been permitted by the East Khasi Hills district administration.
As the investigation expanded, the arrested leaders were produced before court on several occasions, while additional charges were brought in connection with cases registered at Sadar, Mawlai and Rynjah police stations.
Three other KSU leaders — Jeremiah Pohthmi, Samuel Kharbani and Banjop Dkhar — were subsequently arrested, taking the number of KSU leaders held in connection with the cases to six.
The most recent arrest was that of the KSU Shillong East Circle president, who was taken into custody by a Special Investigation Team near NEIGRIHMS on September 11 and produced before a local court the following day.
Najiar’s interim release is temporary and was granted following his father’s demise, while the investigation into the August 19 incidents continues.
