Odisha Man Declared Innocent After Spending 19 Years in Jail for Triple Murder
In a heartbreaking case of wrongful conviction, a man named Habil Sindhu, who spent nearly 19 years in prison for a triple murder he did not commit, was finally declared innocent and released by a court in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
Habil, a resident of Balarampur village, was arrested in 2003 after he was accused of murdering three of his neighbours, including a child. He was also falsely labeled as a practitioner of black magic.
Conviction and Legal Battle
Habil was convicted by the Additional District and Sessions Judge in 2005 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, he continued to maintain his innocence and challenged the verdict in the high court.
Due to the seriousness of the case, the high court appointed an amicus curiae (an impartial advisor) to re-investigate the case. After thoroughly reviewing a 32-page investigation report and multiple witness statements, the court found no evidence linking Habil to the murders.
The case was referred back to the district and sessions court, which officially cleared Habil of all charges. He was released on December 16, 2021, after spending almost 19 years in jail for a crime he never committed.
Habil Sindhu Speaks After Release
Speaking to the media after his release, Habil said,
“I am very happy that the court proved my innocence and set me free. I lost 19 important years of my life. Though I have a family, they no longer accept me. But I will go back to my village and start farming.”
Call for Accountability
Advocate and human rights activist Arbind Das said,
“Although the court has cleared him, Habil lost almost 19 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. He missed out on his youth and was abandoned by his family. Someone needs to be held responsible for this injustice.”
This tragic case highlights the urgent need for judicial reforms and fair investigations to prevent innocent people from being punished for crimes they did not commit.
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