Overview
- The State Sentence Review Board met on August 31 and decided not to recommend the premature release of Ravindra Kumar Pal, also known as Dara Singh, who is serving life for the 1999 murders of missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons.
- The board cited potential "societal ramifications" and relied on a Kendujhar district report that said about 200–250 people linked to a pro‑Singh group gathered outside the jail on August 15 and reportedly raised provocative slogans.
- Singh has served more than 26 years in custody and became eligible for consideration under Odisha’s 2022 premature‑release guidelines, with prison records noting generally good conduct but no prior parole or furlough.
- Local positions have varied: Kendujhar gave a conditional recommendation in March 2025, Auraiya authorities backed release in February 2026, and the state prisons directorate had supported remission even as the SSRB repeatedly rejected or deferred the case in prior years.
- The Supreme Court pressed the state for a clear decision and will review the SSRB’s August 31 finding on September 17, with the court warning it could summon officials if the matter remains delayed and the outcome affects public order and the administration of remission rules.