Killer got a reprieve, but didn’t disappoint

Manu Sharma is one of Delhi's most well known individuals. The son of a former politician owes the popularity to his involvement in the murder of model Jessica Lal and is currently serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail for the crime committed in 1999.

Manu Sharma is one of Delhi's most well known individuals. The son of a former politician owes the popularity to his involvement in the murder of model Jessica Lal and is currently serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail for the crime committed in 1999.

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In 2009, he was granted parole for two months to attend to his “ailing mother”, Shakti Rani Sharma, and also look after the family business that was suffering in his absence.

But the “ailing” mother was seen addressing a press conference in Chandigarh while the son was spotted in a Delhi nightclub — LAP in Samrat Hotel, which is partly owned by actor Arjun Rampal — where he got into a brawl, involving the police commissioner’s son. As per parole rules, he should have been in Chandigarh.

A huge media outcry followed. Jessica’s sister Sabrina expressed her shock at the parole granted to Sharma.

Even the Chief Minister was criticised for giving her nod to the parole application. He returned to Tihar Jail 12 days before his parole ended, but not before circulating a letter purportedly written to his mom asking for forgiveness.