A man wrongfully convicted of a triple murder has been found innocent and freed after spending 19 years in jail by a court in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
Habil Sindhu, a resident of Balarampur village, was accused in 2003 of killing three of his neighbors, including a child, and was also charged with practicing black magic. Following a complaint registered with the Jashipur police station, he was arrested.
In 2005, the Additional District and Sessions Judge convicted Habil Sindhu of the murders and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, Habil challenged the district court’s judgment in the high court. Recognizing the sensitivity of the case, the top court appointed an amicus curiae to investigate further.
After reviewing the 32-page investigation report and witness statements, the high court found no evidence against Habil Sindhu. The investigation reports were handed over to the district and sessions court, which then found him innocent. As a result, the court ordered his release on December 16, 2021.
Expressing his relief, Habil Sindhu said, “I am very happy today as the court announced my ‘clearance’ and freed me. I have spent 19 important years of my life in jail, which is indeed a long time. Though I have a family, they have rejected me. But, I will return to the village and engage myself in farming.”
Advocate and human rights activist Arbind Das commented on the case, saying, “Although he was found innocent and cleared of all charges by court, he had spent the crucial 18 years and 11 months languishing in jail for no crime done by him. He has lost his youth and family members after being wrongly convicted. Who will be answerable to the trauma caused to Sindhu in all these 19 years, who will take responsibility for all this?”
This case highlights the severe consequences of wrongful convictions and the need for a thorough and fair justice system.
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