The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to alleged TPC commander Dashrath Singh Bhokta, accused of extortion and terror financing under UAPA, despite strong opposition from the NIA. The court cited prolonged custody and parity.
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NEW DELHI: In a crucial development, the Supreme Court of India 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), a splinter Maoist-backed extremist group operating in Jharkhand.
Bhokta has been facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act, linked to suspected extortion and terror financing.
The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi granted interim relief after noting that other key accused in the case have already received bail. The court directed the trial court to impose strict conditions to ensure Bhokta’s presence throughout the remaining proceedings.
Despite strong opposition from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), represented by Additional Solicitor General KM Natraj, the bench ruled in favor of bail. Natraj argued that Bhokta played a major role in terrorist financing, was a member of a banned outfit, and that only six out of 60 prosecution witnesses remain. He requested the court to defer the matter until after the winter vacation, but the bench proceeded with granting interim bail.
The judges emphasized that prolonged judicial custody and the principle of parity were key factors influencing their decision.
Case Background
Bhokta has been in judicial custody since May 17, 2020, after his arrest in connection with the Panki Police Station case in Jharkhand, which was later transferred to the NIA for investigation.
He is accused of:
- Extorting money from businessmen and contractors across Jharkhand
- Using extorted funds to procure weapons
- Funding extremist activities of the Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC)
- Acquiring property in his wife’s name using illegal proceeds
Case Title:
DASHRATH SINGH BHOKTA @ DASHRATH GANJHU vs. UNION OF INDIA
SLP(Criminal) No.10018/2025
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