Pratapgarh: After one and a half years in custody, independent MLA from Kunda, Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiyya, who is facing charges under Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), was today (May 18, 2004) released on bail from Pratapgarh jail following orders to this effect by a Kanpur Special Court.

Jail authorities here said that while Raja Bhaiyya was released, his father Uday Pratap Singh would be released later after the completion of some formalities.

Designated POTA court, Kanpur, had yesterday ordered the release of Raja Bhaiyya and his father on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each and two sureties each of the like amount to the court.

Raja Bhaiyya left for his residence soon after his release, authorities said.

He was arrested during Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati's regime in November 2002 and his father in January 2003 when POTA was slapped against them and Raja Bhaiyya's cousin Akshay Pratap Singh.

Raja Bhaiyya's father was arrested later and POTA slapped against them. They had moved a bail application on March 5.