The Special Judge of NIA, Manipur, on Wednesday granted absolute bail to Narengbam Samarjit, self-proclaimed External Affairs and Defence Minister of Manipur State Council, in an NIA case.
Narengbam Samarjit, former chairman of Salai Group of Companies, hails from Tera Loukrakpam Leikai, Imphal, filed an application under Section 437 CrPC for making the interim bail granted to him absolute on health grounds on March 17, 2022.
During the hearing, the defence counsel submitted that Samarjit is suffering from BPAD and his medical treatment is undergoing at NIMHANS hospital, Bangalore. As per doctor advice, he needs regular check-up at NIMHANS, Bangalore.
However, special PP of NIA argued that during the interim bail, he consulted Psychiatry doctors but there is no document proving that he underwent treatment for any illness as claimed in the interim bail application. Further, none of the doctors observed any serious health issues or that he underwent any serious health issues, the PP added.
The court, after hearing both parties at length and on perusal of material on record, observed that Samarjit is availing medical treatment while on bail for various ailments and he would be needing continuation of treatment for his medical conditions.
The court then made the interim bail granted absolute with the direction to be present before the court in person or by a pleader on every date fixed for hearing.
It may be mentioned that a case was first registered by Lamphel Police Station after N Samarjit, along with Yambem Biren, announced formation of a 'de jure' Manipur Government on October 29, 2019 in London, UK after declaring Manipur's independence from India in a press conference held in London. They had sought asylum in the United Kingdom.
N Samarjit had proclaimed himself as the External Affairs and Defence Minister of the 'de jure' government based in London and Yambem Biren as the chief minister.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) then took over the investigation.
In March 2021, after the completion of the investigation, NIA Imphal Branch had submitted a chargesheet against Samarjit and four others under different Sections of the IPC and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The charges were framed against him on November 24, 2022 while three accused Elangbam Brojendro, Narengbam Biswajit and Akoijam Deepa Anand were discharged from the case.
