Daijiworld Media Network - Kaushambi

Kaushambi, May 23: In a deeply moving moment of justice delayed but finally delivered, 104-year-old Lakhan, who had spent 43 years behind bars for murder and attempted murder charges, was released from the Kaushambi district jail earlier this week after being acquitted by the Allahabad High Court.

Lakhan, a resident of Gauraye village, had been arrested in 1977 in connection with a group clash that led to the death of one Prabhu Saroj. He was convicted in 1982 by the District and Sessions Court in Prayagraj and sentenced to life imprisonment along with three others.

According to jail records, Lakhan was born on January 4, 1921, making him one of the oldest inmates in the country. After decades of incarceration, his appeal to the high court bore fruit when he was finally acquitted on May 2.

Tragically, of the four convicts who had filed appeals, three passed away during the prolonged legal process.

Lakhan's release was facilitated by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). “Following the court order and with cooperation from the District Jail Superintendent, Lakhan was released from Kaushambi District Jail on Tuesday,” said Additional District Judge Poornima Pranjal, Secretary of the Kaushambi DLSA.

After his release, Lakhan was escorted safely to his daughter’s home in the Sharira police station area, where he is currently residing.

The case has raised serious concerns about judicial delays and prison reform, with legal experts and activists calling for systemic changes to prevent such prolonged detentions in the future.