Itanagar: The Pasighat District and Sessions Court has granted bail to East Siang agriculture development officer (ADO) Nanung Sitang on “medical grounds”.
The bail application was filed by petitioner Onik Moyong under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The petition prayed for the release of Sitang, who was arrested in connection with PSG WPS C. NO 18/24 under Sections 307 IPC, Section 14 of the Child Labour Act 1986, and Sections 75/79 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, through learned counsel O Tamuk.
The court heard the petition, which highlighted that Sitang’s initial bail application was rejected on jurisdictional grounds, as the case is exclusively triable by the Sessions Court.
Sitang’s counsel then pointed out her medical conditions, including Hypothyroidism and Rheumatoid Arthritis, which require intensive treatment and regular injections.
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones for your body. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of a person’s neck.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
The counsel argued that Sitang needs to continue her treatment in Guwahati from June 06 and is also scheduled to receive an injection named Adfrar on June 4.
Adfrar injection alleviates pain, stiffness, and swelling in your spine and joints, enhancing flexibility and preventing disease progression. This treatment enables one to lead a more active and fulfilling life.
The court considered the medical grounds and noted that Sitang is in now judicial custody, with her police custody period over.
Public Prosecutor A Modi opposed the bail, arguing that Sitang might tamper with evidence or influence the victim if released.
However, the court decided to grant bail on medical grounds under strict conditions.
The conditions include Sitang must not commit similar offenses while on bail, must not tamper with evidence, must avoid any communication with the victim or the victim’s family, and must not employ any minor as a maid until the trial’s completion.
Sitang must also furnish a cash bail bond of Rs. 20,000 and a local surety bond of Rs. 50,000.
With these conditions, the court granted Sitang bail, allowing her to continue her medical treatment. The case proceedings will continue, with Sitang required to cooperate with the investigation.
Sitang was arrested on May 28 for employing a 10-year-old girl as house help and subjecting her to continuous distressful and violent treatment.
Sitang faced charges of physically abusing the child, including pricking her with a knife, undressing her to beat her, and forcing her to sleep on the floor, even during the winter months.
Despite these traumatic experiences, the victim is now reported to be in stable condition.
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