Meghalaya Police Service officer Gabriel K Iangrai has been remanded to police custody for seven days on charges of corruption.
Iangrai, the Commandant of Special Force (SF)-10, was arrested on November 2 under the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with siphoning off Rs 35 lakh in the construction of at Shillong Sadar Police Station when he was posted as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Meghalaya police.
He was produced before the court of judicial magistrate first class here today after he was discharged from the Shillong civil hospital.
Although his legal counsel had objected to the Special Investigation Team’s prayer for police remand, the court declined to accept the objection.
“The SIT Team asked for seven days police custody and we objected to that. But for the interest of the case, the court has given seven days police custody and he will be produced on November 12,” P. Yobin, the defence lawyer said.
He informed that strong objections were raised as interrogation could be done in judicial custody as well. However, the court declined to accept the objections as this was a period of investigation, he added.
The lawyer said that the court directed the Investigating Officer to ensure the safety with regard to Iangrai’s health and his medication. The court directed the police to produce Iangrai for medical check up every 48 hours.
Meanwhile, coming out of the Shillong Civil Hospital, Iangrai pleaded before the media not to convict him before he was tried.
“I am thankful to God for keeping me safe from the vultures and crows… As of now I believe in due process of law, and media please do not convict me before trial,” he said.
Asked if any other police officials are involved in the scam, Iangrai evaded a direct answer and said he “believes in law.”
