Lockdown could delay Pankaj Gupta’s release, says his lawyer

Our Reporter

Dimapur, July 28 (EMN): The Gauhati High Court may have granted bail to cyber crime accused Pankaj Gupta, but his release could be delayed because of the lockdown being imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The court through an order on Monday allowed the release of the accused on furnishing of public recognisance (PR) bond of INR 1 lakh with two surety bonds of the like amount which should be furnished by residents of Nagaland and to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate first class (JFMC), Kohima.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Joshua Shequi, the advocate representing Gupta, said that the accused would be released but due to lockdown, might take some time.

 “There should be an exception because there is an issue of life and liberty; the court is outside the purview of the ban, I suppose some arrangements can be made for his release,” shared Shequi.

Shequi informed that Gupta has been directed not to leave Nagaland but if reasons are genuine, he has to inform the court and the investigating officer.

 “If his reason is genuine and he leaves the state, he would be putting his two local sureties at risk if he doesn’t return,” Shequi informed, adding that it was more dangerous than having a bail amount.

Further, the advocate informed that Gupta would not be able to travel abroad as his passport is with the police.

 “I have moved a petition under section 482 CrPc also which is pending before the high court to quash the entire proceedings,” informed the lawyer.

Shequi submitted in the bail application to the Gauhati High Court that the crime alleged to have been committed by Gupta are not heinous and the maximum punishment that can be given was three years.

An FIR was lodged against Gupta after he accused the chief minister of Nagaland and his government of intentionally trying to spread the novel coronavirus among the people to get more fund from the central government. The Nagaland police and Haryana police, in a joint operation, arrested him on June 9 in Haryana before being brought to Nagaland for further investigation.

Related news: https://easternmirrornagaland.com/cyber-crime-accused-pankaj-gupta-granted-bail/