Bail refused to Meghalaya woman activist fighting eviction

Woman activist Agnes Kharshiing who was arrested for allegedly obstructing an eviction drive here in Meghalaya was today denied bail by a local court.
The court of First Class Judicial Magistrate R Rymbai denied bail to Kharshiing based on the report submitted by the investigating officer of Rynjah police station where cases were registered against her.
"The court has found that evidence collected by the Investigation Officer substantiated the allegations levelled against her by Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) authorities on Friday," East Khasi Hills Additional District Magistrate D M Wahlang said.
Kharshiing was arrested on November 8 when she had opposed an eviction drive against illegal settlers at Umsawli area.

The court stated that her release could hamper investigation and that she could cause intimidation and vandalism of government property.
Kharshiing's lawyer, Poonam Yadav, said she would appeal in the high court against the decision of the lower court not to grant bail to her client.

Meanwhile, seven kutcha huts on land allocated to North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited, a semi-puca shed on land allocated to the state Information Technology department and a kutcha shed opposite to the IIM plot of urban affairs were demolished during the day.
The victims of the eviction drive organised a sit in demonstration in the Khyndailad area.

The MUDA has acquired 370.26 hectare for the New Shillong Township in Mawdiangdiang, about 20 km from here.
Of this, 353.42 hectare have been allotted to entities including the IIM, IHM, NIFT and others.