Today, Lal Singh Akalgarh’s parole period has come to an end and he has left his family home to surrender himself to Nabha Maximum Security Prison. You may recall that Lal Singh was the first of the 4 prisoners who received worldwide attention, when they were recently released on parole. Unfortunately, all four are now lodged back in jail as their parole did not manifest into a permanent release as was assured by the state leadership. SOPW are fighting their cases through the legal system as we have been for many years and our lawyers have filed the necessary applications for their release.
Lal Singh’s gentle nature hides the pain and hurt he has suffered for the last 21 years. During his imprisonment both his parents have expired and he leaves behind his wife and young daughter, who live alone at home. In his absence the economic condition of the family has deteriorated without any income.
The real tragedy taking place now is that the Gujrat State has not finalised his release – even after serving 21 years and having no other case pending against him. SOPW have helped secure his parole leave almost twenty times before this and his record while in prison has been absolutely clean. He has neither committed any offence nor had any complaint of conduct during his periods of parole. The Jail Superintendent even went as far as mentioning that he is of ‘good conduct’ which is a very rare recommendation. So why, is Lal Singh not finally released of his shackles and able to return home to begin the task of rebuilding his life with his family?
It is worth noting that Lal Singh has been imprisoned since 1992 after he was arrested in the state of Gujrat and sentenced to life under the controversial TADA laws. He was convicted for possession of arms and explosives and conspiracy to plan an armed action. However, even though there was no proof and no actual incident took place, the State of Gujrat have still confined him to a life behind bars for 21 years and counting.
In more emotional scenes this morning, in his family village of Akalgarh, Bhai Lal Singh held his elderly Bhua Ji (aunt) for some precious last moments before he set off for Nabha Jail, where he will return as his parole period ends today.
These ‘goodbyes’ are always tearful as our elders inevitably feel that they may not get to see you again. There were high hopes among everyone that the Punjab State would secure the release of Bhai Lal Singh during his parole period. But, the Sangat as well as Lal Singh and his family, have been left disappointed as this has not materialised.