Kohima: The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench is weighing the fate of three men accused of financial wrongdoing. Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer reserved the court order on July 24 following two days of hearings. Mhahlielue Rio, Thepfusatou Rio, and Vibeilietuo Kets face serious charges. The Central Bureau of Investigation alleges they participated in a scheme involving the High Court complex in Nagaland.
The trouble began with the approach road and related construction. Prosecutors claim the project suffered from poor workmanship and incomplete tasks. The state allegedly lost Rs 29.68 lakh in excess payments. The Chief Judicial Magistrate in Dimapur framed charges against the trio on February 18 for criminal conspiracy and cheating under the Indian Penal Code. The magistrate rejected their initial discharge applications, citing enough evidence to move forward.
The defense fought back. They petitioned the High Court to challenge the framing of charges. The petitioners argued the case lacks sustainability, noting the government denied prosecution sanction for six Nagaland Public Works Department engineers allegedly linked to the same conspiracy. They also disputed the technical findings on the sub-standard work. After reviewing the arguments, the court recorded: "Hearing concluded. Order reserved."
The High Court granted an interim stay on the trial on February 27. This order stopped the proceedings in the Dimapur court. The legal pause remains in effect while the judge deliberates on the petitions.
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