Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Odisha Rejects Dara Singh’s Premature Release Plea in Staines Case
Dara Singh is in prison for helping lead the attack that killed Graham Staines and his two young sons in Odisha in 1999.
The victims were sleeping inside a vehicle when it was set on fire.
Singh was first given a death sentence, but it was later changed to life imprisonment.
He asked to leave prison early after spending more than 24 years there.
His lawyers said he regretted his actions and wanted to help society.
The Odisha government reviewed the request but decided not to support his release.
Officials were concerned that his release could affect public order and communal harmony.
They also referred to a gathering of supporters outside the jail where provocative slogans were reportedly raised.
The Supreme Court will consider the case again on September 17.
The Odisha government rejected Rabindra Kumar Pal alias Dara Singh’s plea for premature release from his life sentence.
Singh was convicted of leading a mob that killed missionary Graham Staines and his sons Philip and Timothy in Manoharpur in 1999.
The State Sentence Review Board cited possible effects on public order, communal harmony and social stability.
Singh’s lawyers argued that he had served more than 24 years and qualified for consideration under the state’s 2022 remission policy.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on September 17 after directing Odisha to decide the plea.
- Who
- Ravindra Kumar Pal, also known as Dara Singh, the Odisha State Sentence Review Board and the victims Graham Staines, Philip Staines and Timothy Staines.
- What
- The Odisha government rejected Singh’s request for premature release from his life sentence.
- When
- The killings occurred on January 22, 1999, or during the intervening night of January 22-23; the review board considered the plea on August 31, and the next Supreme Court hearing is September 17.
- Where
- The killings occurred at Manoharpur in Odisha’s Keonjhar district; Singh is imprisoned in Keonjhar.
- Why
- The review board cited concerns about public order, communal harmony and possible social ramifications, including a reported gathering of Singh’s supporters near the jail.
Arguments for Release
Reasons Against Release
Time Served and Rehabilitation
Arguments for Release
Singh’s lawyers said he had completed more than the 14-year qualifying period under the April 19, 2022 remission policy. Singh expressed regret, sought an opportunity to reform and promised service-oriented work.
Reasons Against Release
The State Sentence Review Board said it was not inclined to recommend release at this stage.
Public Order and Social Harmony
Arguments for Release
Keonjhar district authorities had previously made a conditional recommendation for release, with safeguards intended to maintain social harmony.
Reasons Against Release
The state cited possible communal disturbance and social ramifications. It also referred to a reported gathering of 200 to 250 people associated with Dara Sena outside the jail, where provocative slogans were allegedly raised.
Judicial Pressure
Arguments for Release
Singh sought Supreme Court consideration of his remission request after the court directed Odisha to make a decision.
Reasons Against Release
The Supreme Court criticized the delay and warned that it could decide the matter itself if the state did not act.
- Convict
- Rabindra Kumar Pal, alias Dara Singh, aged 67
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment; a 2003 death sentence was commuted by the Orissa High Court in 2005
- Victims
- Australian missionary Graham Staines and his sons Philip and Timothy
- Time served claimed
- More than 24 years of actual imprisonment; reports also describe Singh as having spent around 25 or more than 26 years in prison
- Review decision
- The State Sentence Review Board declined to recommend premature release at this stage
- Previous rejections
- The plea was rejected in 2016, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023
- Next Supreme Court hearing
- September 17
