Nagaland: High Court grants bail to accused in RGA investment scam case, cites violation of arrest procedure

DIMAPUR — The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court has granted bail to Lanuranger Jamir, a 21-year-old man accused in the RGA investment fraud case, citing procedural lapses in the arrest, including failure to serve proper grounds of arrest under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

In an order issued on July 23, Justice Shamima Jahan—hearing the bail plea filed by a woman named Medie Mor on behalf of the accused person— noted that the arrest was in violation of Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India and Section 48 of the BNSS, as the grounds of arrest were not served to the accused or his family.

The court ruled that this rendered the arrest unconstitutional.

The case (State Crime Police Station Case No. 0003/2024) involves an alleged investment fraud run by a company named RGA, which promised high returns and claimed affiliation with the government of India.

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The FIR stated that RGA lured victims via mobile apps and social media platforms before ceasing operations in October 2024, resulting in significant financial losses.

The police investigation revealed that Jamir, a student, had invested in RGA and introduced others to the platform.

The prosecution argued he was one of the earliest participants and had created a WhatsApp group called ‘RGA Elite Group’ to recruit more investors.

However, Jamir’s counsel contended that he, like many others, was a victim who got involved unknowingly.

The defence also highlighted discrepancies in the statements Jamir gave to the police and argued that he was cooperating fully with the investigation, having appeared three times before the Investigating Officer (IO).

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The court, while noting these facts, stated that economic offences must be treated seriously but also underscored the importance of procedural safeguards.

Accordingly, Jamir was granted bail on furnishing a bond of INR 20,000 with two local sureties, including one government employee.

The bail is subject to conditions including cooperation with the investigation, no tampering with evidence, and prior permission for travel outside the jurisdiction.