ULFA leader Anup Chetia brought to Guwahati

Deported ULFA leader Anup Chetia was brought by the CBI on a transit remand has been sent on five day custody as was produced before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate amid tight security. Police officials said that it was not very clear whether Chetia was brought directly from Delhi where he was arrested by CBI after being handed over to India or from Kolkata.

He said, “Baruah was arrested under CBI RC (Regular Case) No. 4(S)/88 in connection with a murder incident in 1998 in Golaghat (Assam)”. CBI has sought 14 days custody however the court granted five day custody. “After hearing us, the magistrate remanded Chetia in five-day CBI custody”, said Chetia’s counsel Bijan Mahajan.

Chetia’s wife Monika Baruah and family members waiting at the airport were not allowed to meet the leader. Chetia’s extradition was a precondition set by pro-talks Ulfa faction to take forward peace negotiations with the government. “Finally the wait is over and I wish the government of India will ensure his release so that the talks could go ahead”, she said.

However, he fled the country.

Chetia was charged with illegally entering Bangladesh using a forged passport, possession of illegal foreign currency from 16 different countries and illegal possession of arms.