Dowry death convicts remain in government posts in MP

Even three months after a court convicted five people in a case of dowry-related death, the state government is soft-pedaling the termination of services of two of the convicts.

Even three months after a court convicted five people in a case of dowry-related death, the state government is soft-pedaling the termination of services of two of the convicts.

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As per rules, those convicted in criminal offences are terminated from service. Four out of the five convicts were state government employees, of which two have been terminated from service. All five are presently lodged in jail.

Shweta Singh, wife of Manvendra Singh, was found hanging at her husband’s official residence in Khandwa on December 17, 2009. The police registered a case under sections 306, 498(a), 304(b), 120(b) against Manvendra, his father Mohan Singh, his brother Jagendra Singh, Jagendra’s wife Shradha Singh and Manvendra’s brother-in-law Hari Singh.

While Hari Singh was the only accused not employed with the government, Manvendra was a jail superintendent, Mohan Singh a tehsildar, Jagendra a patwari and Shradha a sub-inspector with Excise department.

On June 30, a court in Khandwa held the five guilty and sentenced Manvendra, Jagendra and Mohan Singh to 10 years in jail while Shradha and Hari Singh were sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

While the state government terminated the services of Manvendra Singh from jail department and Jagendra Singh from revenue department in early September, it is yet to terminate the services of Mohan and Shradha Singh- a requirement under law in case a person is convicted in a case.

"We will be sending the recommendation for termination to the commercial taxes department very soon," said commissioner, excise, when asked about the matter.