Katho P Awomi and two others released on personal bonds with strict conditions in Prysm Lounge vandalism investigation
DIMAPUR — Three persons accused in the June 30 Prysm Lounge vandalism case, including Naga Students' Federation (NSF) Finance Secretary Katho P Awomi, have been released on personal bonds after being detained without warrants and are now required to comply with 13 conditions pending investigation.
Awomi surrendered before Dimapur Police on July 4 and was detained in connection with the case before being released after executing a personal bond. The arrest followed a complaint lodged on July 1 and the registration of an FIR on July 2.
Two other accused, identified as Homugha Achumi and Hutoshe Yepthomi, were similarly detained without warrants on July 7 and later released after furnishing personal bonds.
Under the bond, all three have undertaken to comply with 13 conditions and appear before the investigating officer, police or any competent authority whenever required. The conditions require them to maintain peace and good behaviour, remain available for investigation and refrain from intimidating, threatening or influencing any witness, complainant or person connected with the case.
Related: Prysm Lounge vandalism: FIR lodged against NSF leader after viral video
NSF's Katho Awomi arrested after surrender in Dimapur vandalism case
They have also been prohibited from tampering with evidence, inciting or provoking any individual or group through speeches, social media posts or messages to commit acts prejudicial to public order, and from indulging in vandalism or causing damage to public or private property.
The trio has further undertaken not to associate with any individual or group for planning unlawful activities, obstruct public servants in the discharge of their official duties, or leave the district or the state without prior intimation to the police, if so directed.
The bond also prohibits them from carrying any weapon or object capable of being used as a weapon during public gatherings, except as permitted by law.
They are required to promptly inform the police of any change in their residential address, educational institution or mobile number and strictly comply with all lawful directions issued by the court, Executive Magistrate or any other competent authority. They have also undertaken not to commit any offence punishable under any law.
According to the bond, violation of any of the conditions will render each of them liable to forfeit INR 50,000 to the government, following which the bond may be forfeited and appropriate proceedings initiated under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Background
The case originates from the alleged vandalism of Prysm Lounge on Golaghat Road in Dimapur on June 30, after CCTV footage circulated on social media purportedly showed Awomi and others damaging property with a baseball bat. Another video, allegedly recorded the following day, purportedly showed the same group entering another lounge carrying a baseball bat. The incident also sparked public debate over the alleged operation of bars in violation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989.
Following the incident, the NSF relieved Awomi of all responsibilities pending the outcome of its internal inquiry, while the All Nagaland College Students' Union distanced itself from him. The controversy also prompted demands from civil society organisations for stricter enforcement against illegal liquor establishments in Dimapur.