Shillong: Louis Dohtdong, the president of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM), and his brother Comius Dohtdong were released from Shillong District Jail on Wednesday. The release followed a decision by the Meghalaya High Court to acquit both men of charges related to a 2011 assault case that resulted in the death of Rijied Kurkalang.
Justice Wanlura Diengdoh issued the judgment, effectively setting aside the conviction and sentencing previously handed down by the Additional Sessions Court in Shillong. The legal proceedings stemmed from an incident on March 20, 2011, at the Sohra Bus Stand in Mawlonghat.
Legal counsel Phuyosa Yobin confirmed that the brothers are no longer facing any legal challenges regarding this matter. "They are now free from all liabilities in this case and their status is the same as it was before the FIR was lodged," Yobin stated following the release.
Louis Dohtdong was serving as the HNYM president when a trial court convicted him in November 2024. He retains his leadership position within the organization following his release. Friends, family, and fellow HNYM supporters gathered outside the jail to welcome the pair, concluding a 15-year legal ordeal.
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