1999 Graham Staines murder: SC notice to Odisha govt on Dara Singh’s remission plea; Telangana MLA moves mercy petition

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Odisha government seeking a response to a plea for the premature release of Ravindra Pal alias Dara Singh, who was arrested on the charges of killing Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons in the state’s Keonjhar district in 1999.

In a petition filed through his advocate, Dara Singh said that he has already spent over 24 years in jail against the total sentence of 14 years in case of life imprisonment. The petition has also cited the Supreme Court judgment regarding the premature release of the killers of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti are hearing the matter.

In another development, Telangana MLA T Raja Singh Lodh has also filed a mercy petition before the President of India Droupadi Murmu urging pardon against the life imprisonment of Dara Singh and Mahendra Hembrum.

“The High Court of Orissa after examining the documents and evidence adduced by the parties was pleased to set aside the judgement dated 15.9.2023 passed by the District & Sessions Judge, Khordha and awarded punishment for life. They are in jail custody for last 23 years. For such a long time in jail custody, they are suffering from mental trauma and their health condition is deteriorating day by day,” the mercy petition read.