Odisha panel rejects convict Dara Singh's release plea citing communal tensions

The Sentence Review Board in Odisha has rejected a petition seeking the release of Dara Singh, determining that freeing the convict could trigger serious threats to communal harmony in the state. The board took into account the possible societal repercussions of Singh's release when arriving at its decision, according to official sources.

The rejection comes against the backdrop of reported activities outside Kendujhar district jail, where a gathering took place around August 15. The board's assessment indicated that Singh's release at this juncture could reignite communal tensions in the region and pose risks to public order.

The Sentence Review Board, which examines petitions for early release and remission of sentences, weighed the broader implications of the case before issuing its determination. The decision underscores the board's concern about the timing and potential consequences of any such action on the social fabric of the district.

No further details regarding the specific grounds of the original conviction or the nature of the release plea were immediately disclosed. The board's reasoning reflects its mandate to balance individual cases against broader public interest considerations, particularly in matters involving potential communal sensitivities.