New Delhi, October 12th, 2011

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media report alleging that a man is serving life term in a jail in Uttarakhand in place of another person since last 14 years. Issuing notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand calling for a factual report within two weeks, the Commission has also directed its Director General (Investigation) to send a team today for an on the spot enquiry.

According to the report carried today on the 12th October, 2011, Raj Kumar and Faisal were awarded the life sentence for murder 14 years ago. However, Raj Kumar managed to convince Kiran Singh of Uttar Pradesh to go to jail in his place. He had promised Kiran that he would arrange for his release within a week. Both Faisal and Kiran have spent the past 14 years in the Haridwar jail.

A few days ago, the local court received a letter from Faisal in which he disclosed that the real convict, Raj Kumar, was roaming free while Kiran was serving his sentence.

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