Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Odisha Left Parties Oppose Dara Singh's Release
Dara Singh is a man who was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing an Australian missionary and his two sons in 1999.
He has been in prison for over 24 years and has asked to be released early.
He says he is sorry for what he did and wants to help society.
However, two political parties in Odisha, the CPI and CPI(M), are against his release.
They say that letting someone who committed such a serious crime go free would be unfair and could cause more problems in society.
The Supreme Court has asked the Odisha government to decide on his request, and the next hearing is on August 19.
Dara Singh, convicted for the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two sons, seeks premature release after over 24 years in prison.
The Odisha units of the CPI and CPI(M) have opposed his remission plea, citing concerns about communal harmony and the rule of law.
Singh claims he has repented and wants to contribute to society, while the Left parties argue his release would erode public faith in the justice system.
The Supreme Court directed the Odisha government to decide on Singh’s remission plea by August 19.
The CPI and CPI(M) allege that Singh has been linked to other incidents of communal violence and that his release could aggravate the law and order situation.
- Who
- Rabindra Pal alias Dara Singh, Odisha units of the CPI and CPI(M)
- What
- Opposition to the premature release of Dara Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons
- When
- The matter has been posted for hearing on August 19. The Supreme Court directed the Odisha government to take a decision within a month on Singh’s remission plea on July 14.
- Where
- Odisha, India
- Why
- The Left parties believe that extending leniency to a person convicted of a heinous communal crime would erode public faith in the justice system and undermine the secular values enshrined in the Constitution. Singh seeks premature release claiming he has repented and wants to contribute to society.
Left Parties' Opposition
Dara Singh's Plea
Release Justification
Left Parties' Opposition
Extending leniency to a person convicted of a heinous communal crime would erode public faith in the justice system and undermine the secular values enshrined in the Constitution.
Dara Singh's Plea
Singh claims he has spent over 24 years in prison and has 'repented' for his actions committed in a fit of 'youthful rage'.
Impact on Society
Left Parties' Opposition
The release of such a convict will not only defeat the purpose of the justice system, but will also send a dangerous message to communal forces, organised criminals and the politics of hate.
Dara Singh's Plea
Singh believes in karmic philosophy and seeks an opportunity to reform himself and contribute to society through 'service-oriented actions'.
- Convict
- Rabindra Pal alias Dara Singh
- Crime
- Murder of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons
- Year of Crime
- 1999
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment (originally death sentence, later commuted)
- Current Age of Convict
- 63 years
- Years Spent in Prison
- Over 24 years
- Next Hearing Date
- August 19