Ex Umroi MLA Rymbai released on bail

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, FEB 6: Former Congress legislator Stanlywiss Rymbai on Monday was released on bail after he was arrested and sent to judicial custody in connection with the alleged multi-crore land scam at Ri Bhoi district.

Rymbai, who was lodged in the jail cell of a city hospital from January 25, was granted bail by the District & Session Judge court after his bail application on February 3 was moved.

“The court was pleased to peruse the case dairy produced by the investigation officer (IO) and allow the bail application on certain conditions for Rymbai to comply,” Rymbai’s counsel VGK Kynta told reporters on Monday.

The former Umroi legislator was arrested on January 25 by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an FIR filed on November 12, 2012 which relates to acquisition of land by the forest department from Umsawkhwan village.

Accordingly he was produced before the court, which issued an order of remanding him to 14 days judicial custody. However on seeing his health condition the court directed that he be admitted in the hospital.

Kynta, a senior advocate, informed that Rymbai who is suffering from thyroid, high blood pressure and hypertension, will continue to be admitted in the Shillong Civil Hospital as his health condition is not good.

Earlier, the forest department had released Rs 8 crore in favour of Rymbai, who was a power of attorney holder, for acquiring the land at Mawpalai afforestation area measuring 1.78 sq km.

Later after a report by the CAG, the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) directed the forest department to pursue the matter rigorously in the High Court to facilitate reclaiming of the land and recovery of the Rs 8 crore that was paid.

Terming the arrest of Rymbai as unwarranted and unjustified, Kynta said his client had never refused to comply with the notices from the police (CID) to give evidence as witness.

He was also of the view that the case originated on an FIR dated November 12, 2012 and the arrest was affected after more than four years which raise question on the authenticity of the police investigation.

“I am of the view that justice triumph and we have full faith and trust in the judiciary and the release of Rymbai is a pointer,” he said.