The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim bail to Dashrath Singh Bhokta, also known as Dashrath Ganjhu, who is accused of being a zonal commander of the banned Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC) and is on trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act for alleged extortion and terror financing.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took note of the fact that the co-accused in the case had already been granted bail and held that the trial court could secure Bhokta’s presence through appropriate conditions while permitting him temporary liberty. The court directed the trial court to frame adequate safeguards while releasing him.
The National Investigation Agency had opposed his plea against the Jharkhand High Court decision that denied him bail. Appearing for the agency, Additional Solicitor General K M Natraj argued that Bhokta was an active member of a banned extremist outfit, adding that only six of the 60 prosecution witnesses remained to be examined. He requested the court to consider the matter only after the winter break.
The bench, however, weighed the length of custody and the principle of parity before granting interim relief. Bhokta has been lodged in judicial custody since May 17, 2020, in a case initially registered at Panki police station and later transferred to the NIA.
According to the allegations, he extorted money from contractors and business owners across Jharkhand for the TPC’s operations, procured weapons using the funds, and acquired property in his wife’s name from the proceeds of the alleged illegal activities.
The case will continue before the trial court, with the Supreme Court making it clear that his release does not affect the merits of the prosecution’s case.
