• Gauhati HC grants bail to UAPA accused in 2019 Guwahati Central Mall grenade blast

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    Gauhati HC grants bail to UAPA accused in 2019 Guwahati Central Mall grenade blast
    The grenade blast case had initially led to the arrest of Pappu Koch Bokoliyal, an alleged member of ULFA-I...

    Digital Desk: In a significant development, the Gauhati High Court has granted bail to Indra Mohan Borah, one of the accused in the 2019 grenade blast near Guwahati Central shopping mall. The blast, which occurred on May 15, 2019, left 12 people injured, and the accused had been booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

    After almost five years, the bench of Justices Michael Zothankhuma and Malasri Nandi approved Borah's bail, emphasizing that the evidence presented did not establish his direct involvement in the blast, although he might be associated with a banned outfit. Borah was granted bail on a bond of Rs. 50,000 with two sureties of the same amount.

    The conditions set for Borah's bail include regular attendance at the trial court, not leaving the territorial jurisdiction without permission, surrendering any passport, and refraining from intimidating prosecution witnesses. These conditions aim to ensure his cooperation with the legal proceedings and prevent potential flight or interference.

    The grenade blast case had initially led to the arrest of Pappu Koch Bokoliyal, an alleged member of ULFA-I, who reportedly threw the grenade near the shopping mall. Subsequently, Indra Mohan Borah was arrested on May 17, 2019, by the state police under suspicion of involvement.

    The Ministry of Home Affairs later transferred the case to the National Investigating Agency (NIA), and in February 2022, the trial court framed charges against Borah under relevant sections of the UAPA. Borah pleaded 'not guilty' and opted for a trial.

    With the recent grant of bail by the Gauhati High Court, this development adds a new chapter to the legal proceedings surrounding the 2019 grenade blast, raising questions about the evidence against Borah and the intricacies of his alleged association with the banned outfit.