The Special Judge (NIA) granted bail to Laishram Bidyananda, a member of Youth of Manipur (YoM), who is also known as ‘Kangleipak Hulk.’ This decision came on Monday, with Bidyananda securing his release by providing a PR bond of Rs 1,00,000 along with one surety.
Bidyananda had been arrested on February 2 in connection with an FIR related to a viral message that allegedly directly incited and provoked the public to engage in large-scale violence against the government of India and Manipur.
Earlier, the Special Judge (NIA), Imphal West, had placed Bidyananda in police custody for five days until February 12 due to his alleged involvement in inciting violence through a voice message. After the completion of this custody period, Bidyananda appeared before the court through video conferencing, where both the Special Public Prosecutor and the accused’s counsel presented their arguments.
Upon reviewing the submissions, the court concluded that the investigation was nearly complete, finding no risk of tampering with evidence or the accused fleeing the case. Consequently, the court ordered the release of Bidyananda on bail.
During the proceedings, the Special Public Prosecutor highlighted the progress in the case’s investigation, including the collection of the accused’s voice sample. Concerns were raised about potential large-scale agitation by members of Youths Of Manipur if the accused were to be released on bail, disrupting harmony, public order, and tranquility in the state.
In response, the accused’s counsel argued that there was no concrete evidence linking the viral voice message to Bidyananda. They emphasized the accused’s commitment to comply with any conditions imposed at the time of granting bail.
The court granted bail with specific conditions, including the accused’s obligation to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) or the court as summoned, refraining from influencing prosecution witnesses, and obtaining prior court permission before leaving the state.
