E-Paper
Man released after 38 years in jail
THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS in jail has made Jagjivan a man devoid of any feelings. So it never really came as a surprise when the man, after being set free from Faizabad jail on Tuesday, did not even bother to flash a smile, even once. He met his family and went away with them. No complaints, no drama, no happiness, no sorrow?no nothing.
THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS in jail has made Jagjivan a man devoid of any feelings. So it never really came as a surprise when the man, after being set free from Faizabad jail on Tuesday, did not even bother to flash a smile, even once.
He met his family and went away with them. No complaints, no drama, no happiness, no sorrow—no nothing.
Guess that’s what goes on with people who happen to see the world after 38 years of incarceration without trial. Jagjivan was released from Faizabad jail on Tuesday evening on Supreme Court orders.
A small crowd of relatives and onlookers were present when Jagjivan emerged from the district jail gate, in a green khadi kurta.
Greeted by his son Keshav Ram and other relatives, he proceeded to their village.
The Supreme Court had taken cognizance of a news item published in Hindustan Times, New Delhi edition, earlier this month and initiated moves for Jagjivan’s release.
A bench, comprising Chief Justice YK Sabarwal, Justice CK Thakkar and Justice R.Ravindran, on Monday ordered his release on a personal bond.
The copy of the order was received in the office of the district and sessions judge.
Jagjivan was arrested on January 29,1968, in connection with the murder of his sister-in-law Gulabal Devi at Bhitaura village, under Khandasa police station, in Faizabad district.
Since he was mentally disturbed, a court had sent him to a mental hospital in Varanasi for treatment on February 13, 1970. Nothing was heard about him for a long time.
His family members, too, lost hope of his survival. Talking to mediapersons, Keshavram thanked the apex court for adopting a humanitarian approach to secure his father’s release.
