Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Ex-ULFA Commander Granted Bail in 1993 Kidnapping Case
A former leader of a group called ULFA-I, named Dristi Rajkhowa, was given bail by a court in India.
This is for a case where a railway contractor was kidnapped way back in 1993.
The contractor was carrying a lot of money but the kidnappers didn't take it.
The case was later put under a special law called TADA because of the serious nature of the charges.
Rajkhowa's lawyer told the court that his client never got any official papers, like arrest warrants or summons, telling him he was wanted for this old crime.
He said Rajkhowa only learned about the case when another person involved told him.
Even though arrest warrants were issued later, Rajkhowa's lawyer argued that he had surrendered and should be granted bail.
The court agreed and gave him bail.
Dristi Rajkhowa, former ULFA-I deputy commander, granted bail in a 1993 kidnapping case
Victim: Kanhaiyalal Gupta, railway contractor, abducted in Karbi Anglong district
Rajkhowa argued he never received prior summons or arrest warrants for the case
Case transferred to TADA Court due to its serious nature
Rajkhowa's lawyer contended he surrendered and should be granted bail
- Who
- Dristi Rajkhowa alias Manoj Kumar Rabha, former ULFA-I commander
- What
- Granted bail in a 1993 kidnapping case
- When
- Over 30 years after the incident, with recent court appearances related to warrant issuance and bail.
- Where
- Guwahati, Assam (TADA Court)
- Why
- The court considered Rajkhowa's plea for bail, referencing his claim of not receiving prior summons or warrants for the case.
Prosecution's Stance
Defense's Stance
Notification of Warrant and Summons
Prosecution's Stance
An arrest warrant was issued for Rajkhowa in the case, and reissued on different dates, after the case was transferred to the TADA court.
Defense's Stance
Rajkhowa claims he never received any summons or warrant related to the 1993 incident, appearing in court upon being informed by another ULFA leader about the case's pendency.
- Former Position
- Deputy Commander-in-Chief of ULFA-I
- Case Type
- 1993 Kidnapping
- Victim
- Kanhaiyalal Gupta, railway contractor
- Incident Location
- Kheroni area, Karbi Anglong district
- Charges
- Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA)
- Arrest Warrant Issued
- First issued March 2, 2024
- Court
- TADA Court, Guwahati
