The detained 45 Naga youth including ten women who were incarcerated in Mohali Jail Punjab were granted interim bail on September 26.
The news was first informed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a post on social media platform X. “The Govt is making arrangements and facilitating for their smooth return home. I congratulate the Advocate General Nagaland, Shri K N Balgopal and his team; and appreciate his efforts in ensuring their release,” stated Rio.
The 45 Naga persons from Nagaland were in jails in Punjab on non- bailable charges after they were arrested on May 14 and 15, 2024 when Punjab Police busted two fake call centres in Patiala.
According to inputs by DIPR, on May 15, 2024 about 45 Naga youth were arrested under S. 66 © and 66 (D) of the Information and Technology Act, 2000 coupled with S. 419, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.
The Naga youth have been languishing in the jail for the last 4 months and both the Ld. CJM and the District Judge had rejected the bail.
Under these circumstances, with the Naga youth languishing in the jail the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio taking into consideration the plight of the Naga youth stepped in and instructed the Ld. Advocate General of the State to take immediate steps for their release.
The Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio had discussed the issue with Advocate General, Nagaland, K.N. Balgopal, on June 22 and directed him to personally intervene and take urgent necessary actions for the release of the innocent Naga youths who have been falsely implicated.
Rio had also directed the Resident Commissioner in- charge of Nagaland House, New Delhi to be in touch with the families of the Naga youth and extend all necessary help required for them.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Accordingly, the Case was heard by the High Court presided over by Justice Rajesh Bharadwaj, the matter came up on three occasions. The case was argued by the Ld. Advocate General K.N. Balgopal assisted by Paramjeet Singh Brar and Nitya Nambiar, on September 26, the Judgement was passed by the Court granting them interim bail, to the 45 Naga youth. Throughout the progress of the Case, the Chief Minister was monitoring the developments in the matter so as to ensure the speedy release of the Naga youth which included 10 women. The Nagaland Government appreciates the role and contribution of the Advocate General, KN Balgopal in obtaining the bail of the Naga youth.
In the meantime, the State Government is making all necessary arrangements for the safe and smooth return of the youth to Nagaland, through the Home Department and the Office of the Resident Commissioner, New Delhi.
