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Rode released after 14 years in jail

Nachhatar Singh Rode, sentenced to life imprisonment for killing the founder editor of Hind Samachar Lala Jagat Narain, was released from jail on Thursday after serving 14 years in prison.

Immediately after his release from Sangrur jail, Rode went to his home village.

The release follows on the heels of the remission granted to Akal Takht jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh for the remaining period of his sentence by the President.

Earlier, the state government had declined Rode's plea for premature release on the ground that ''peace and security of the state and its citizens might be adversely affected.''

The release orders now come in the wake of directions from the Punjab and Haryana high court on a petition which Rode filed seeking his release on completing 14 years in jail. The courts directed the state government to reconsider the petitioner's plea within three months from the date of filing, August 7, 1997. It held that the authorities's contention was unsatisfactory.

Following this, the state home department reportedly reconsidered the case and stated it had no objection to Rode's release. The jail authorities also gave a positive report about his conduct.

In 1981, Narain was shot dead by three motorcycle-borne youths, while travelling in his car on the Grand Trunk road. The driver of the car, Somnath, was also seriously injured in the attack.

Rode and one of his accomplices, Swaran Singh, were arrested, while a third accused, Dalbir Singh, escaped. Swaran Singh was acquitted by the trial court giving him the benefit of doubt.

UNI

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