Who is Mahendra Hembram? The Convict of the Graham Staines Case Released After 25 Years
Release of Mahendra Hembram from Prison
Keonjhar: Mahendra Hembram, a convict in the notorious murder case involving Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons, was released from a jail in Odisha on Wednesday after completing a 25-year sentence.
At the age of 50, Hembram's release was granted based on his good conduct during his time in prison.
Alongside Dara Singh, also known as Rabindra Pal Singh, Hembram was found guilty of the horrific murders of Staines and his sons, who were set ablaze by a mob allegedly led by Singh on January 21, 1999.
The tragic incident occurred while the victims were sleeping in their vehicle in Manoharpur village, Keonjhar district, and it sparked widespread outrage both nationally and internationally.
"I have spent 25 years behind bars after being wrongfully accused in a case related to religious conversion. Today marks my release," Hembram stated to reporters outside the prison.