Bail granted

IMPHAL, Nov 27 : The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West has released digital content creator Yumkhaibam Shanti- kumar (25), s/o Shyam- kishwor of Tangkham Awang Leikai, Haraorou Pangei Yangdong who was arrested for uploading a controversial street interview video on Facebook, today
Shantikumar was arrested from Uripok on November 23 for uploading a video on Facebook in which he asked random people at Khwai-ramband Keithel whether they could throw a bomb at the Sangai Festival venues at will if they are offered Rs 10 lakh.
A suo moto FIR was registered against him by City police station under charges of promoting conspiracy and criminal intimidation that promote enmity between groups, and spread false information.
He was produced before the Court today after completion of his police custody remand.
The prosecution (APP) prayed for judicial custody, arguing that the video had created widespread fear and panic among the public and discouraged attendance at the ongoing Sangai Festival.
The APP informed the Court that during interrogation, the accused admitted he got the idea after hearing an audio clip (allegedly from an underground outfit) circulating on Facebook that said in Manipuri: "Sangai Festival maphamda bomb langsinba ngamgadra?" (Can you throw a bomb at the Sangai Festival venue?) and in reply, "Ngamni, Ima Leibaknina tamona hairadi adum touge" (Yes, I can do it for the sake of our motherland).
Hoping to go viral and gain thousands of views, the accused decided to interview random people on whether they could hurl a bomb at the Sangai Festival venue and upload the video on Facebook.
The defence counsel filed a remand objection.
After hearing both sides and perusing the case records, the Court granted bail to the accused, directing him to execute a PR bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety of the same amount, fully cooperate with the investigation whenever required and refrain from committing similar offences in future.
The accused was released from judicial custody accordingly.