Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya has overturned the convictions of Louis Dohtdong and Comius Dohtdong regarding a deadly 2011 assault in Shillong. The case stemmed from an incident at the Sohra Bus Stand in Mawlonghat on March 20, 2011, which led to the death of Rijied Kurkalang.
Justice Wanlura Diengdoh reviewed the case after the two men appealed their sentence from the Additional Sessions Court in Shillong. While eyewitness accounts placed the men at the scene, the court found no concrete proof to link either individual directly to the fatal blows inflicted on the victim. The court also pointed out that although multiple people were reportedly involved in the brawl, prosecutors only brought charges against the two appellants.
In his ruling, Justice Diengdoh stated, "there was no credible evidence proving the involvement of the appellants beyond reasonable doubt." Consequently, the court extended the benefit of the doubt to the pair and quashed their previous convictions. The High Court has ordered their immediate release and cleared them of all liabilities related to the incident.
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