After 14 years jail, Rajasthan cop back in job he lost over custody death

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan high court has ordered the reinstatement of 52-year-old police constable Rajesh Kumar, who was dismissed from service in 2000 over allegations of wilful absence and involvement in a death in custody. The single bench directed state govt to reinstate Kumar with all consequential and notional benefits, bringing relief to him after nearly 24 years, reports Ashish Mehta.
A trial court had convicted Kumar in 2003 for his involvement in the death of Radhey Shyam Darji in custody.HC had earlier upheld the lower court's conviction and Kumar served almost 14 years of jail.
However, SC acquitted him in 2016 and instructed state govt to reinstate him. Despite SC orders, govt did not comply, prompting Kumar to file a civil writ in HC. "I will submit a fresh representation to the authorities, hoping to receive my dues. I spent almost 14 years in jail for a crime I did not commit. I hope justice will prevail," Kumar said, reacting to the HC verdict.
Justice Ganesh Ram Meena overturned the termination orders issued by Jhalawar SP on Oct 19, 2000. However, the judge also stipulated that upon reinstatement, the authorities could issue a show-cause notice for Kumar's 104-day absence from duty. His counsel Vibhuti Bhushan Sharma said his client was appointed as a constable on May 31, 1993. While stationed at Gangadhar in Jhalawar, Kumar and four others were charged under sections 302 and 201 of the now-defunct IPC for allegedly torturing and killing Darji.