Archive · 25 May 2025
Govt. Examines Release Plea of Dara Singh, Staines Murder Convict
Dara Singh, who killed an Australian missionary and his sons in 1999, is asking to be released from prison.
The government is deciding whether to let him go, but it's a difficult decision because of the seriousness of the crime and the fact that he has been convicted of multiple crimes.
The government needs permission from the central government before making a decision.
The Supreme Court is also involved and wants the government to make a decision soon.
Dara Singh has been in jail for over 25 years.
Another person involved in the crime has already been released.
The state government is considering the release plea of Dara Singh, convicted in the 1999 Staines murder case.
The Law Minister stated that discussions are ongoing but the case's complexity poses challenges.
Any decision requires consultation and consent from the Union government.
The Supreme Court expects a decision before the next hearing on August 11.
Dara Singh's co-convict, Mahendra Hembram, was recently released.
- Who
- Dara Singh, convicted of murdering Graham Staines and his sons, and the State government.
- What
- The government is reviewing a release plea for Dara Singh.
- When
- The government is currently examining the plea; the Supreme Court has set a hearing date of August 11.
- Where
- Orissa (Keonjhar district)
- Why
- To decide whether to grant remission to Dara Singh, considering his conviction and time served.
Victims' Families/International Outrage
Advocates for Remission
Remission of Sentence
Victims' Families/International Outrage
Release would be a profound injustice, given the severity of the crime and the international outrage it caused.
Advocates for Remission
Singh's long imprisonment warrants consideration for release, potentially showing rehabilitation.
- Convict Name
- Dara Singh
- Crime
- 1999 murder of Graham Staines and sons
- Location of Crime
- Manoharpur village, Keonjhar district
- Current Status
- Government reviewing release plea
- Original Sentence
- Death (commuted to life)
- Years in Jail
- Over 25 years