Could the man who murdered a Christian missionary and his sons walk free in India?

Dara Singh, the man convicted of murdering Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, has filed a petition for remission after serving more than a quarter‑century behind bars. Police records show 10 cases were registered against Singh for alleged involvement in the hijacking of trucks carrying cows owned by Muslim traders, an activity many Hindus consider sacrilegious. In an interview, Singh denied being "involved personally", saying "my supporters mightiness person done it". He nevertheless admitted that he was "actively progressive successful the question against amerciable commercialized successful cows and cowslaughter" which "had to beryllium stopped astatine immoderate cost". Church leaders have claimed the attacks were carried out at the behest of the hardline Hindu group Bajrang Dal, but Singh said he was not a member. An enquiry commission headed by retired Supreme Court justice DP Wadhwa later concluded that he acted alone. Gladys Staines, the widow of Graham Staines, who remained in India with her daughter Esther until July 2004, said she had "forgiven" Dara Singh in the Christian spirit. "Forgiveness opens up the way of healing," she said. In July 2024, Singh submitted a remission plea to the apex court, arguing that his incarceration of over 25 years entitled him to release. He described his conduct in jail as "bully" and expressed remorse for his actions. The 62‑year‑old attributed the offence to "the fervour of youth", stating in his petition: "The petitioner acknowledges and profoundly regrets the transgressions committed much than 2 decades ago." He added, "In the fervour of youth, fuelled by impassioned reactions to the brutal past of India, the petitioner's psyche momentarily mislaid restraint and it is imperative for the tribunal to scrutinise not simply the actions but the underlying intent, noting that determination was nary idiosyncratic animosity harboured towards immoderate victim,". Last year the apex court directed the authorities to examine his plea, but they have not yet communicated their intentions. At a hearing on 19 August, officials told the court that the Sentence Review Board (SRB), which is reviewing Singh's request, was awaiting additional paperwork and sought an adjournment. The bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Vijay Bishnoi voiced frustration over the repeated delays, warning that if the SRB failed to rule on the plea by 2 September, the court would decide itself. They declared, "You instrumentality a decision, whichever mode you want. If you bash not instrumentality a decision, past we will."