President Pranab Mukherjee has reduced the quantum of punishment for four convicts, who were involved in the killings of 34 upper caste people in Bihar in 1992, from Death Penalty to Life Sentence.
On August 8th last years, Union Home Minister has recommended President of India to reject the mercy petition of the four convicts. Even Bihar Government was against the appeal to show mercy to the murderers. What should be seen as a rare thing to happen is the acceptance of mercy petition by President Pranab.
Actually, The Mercy Petitions of the four convicts was forward to Secretariat of President of India through Home Department of Bihar Government on July 7th, 2004. However, Neither Home Ministry nor President's Secretariat received them in the past 12 years. It was only after the intervention of National Human Rights Commission, President and Home Ministry has taken up the matter.
All the four convicts were awarded death penalty in 2001 in connection with the brutal murders of 35 Bhumihars by Maoist Communist Centre. SC confirmed the death sentence on April 15th, 2002.
On August 8th last years, Union Home Minister has recommended President of India to reject the mercy petition of the four convicts. Even Bihar Government was against the appeal to show mercy to the murderers. What should be seen as a rare thing to happen is the acceptance of mercy petition by President Pranab.
Actually, The Mercy Petitions of the four convicts was forward to Secretariat of President of India through Home Department of Bihar Government on July 7th, 2004. However, Neither Home Ministry nor President's Secretariat received them in the past 12 years. It was only after the intervention of National Human Rights Commission, President and Home Ministry has taken up the matter.
All the four convicts were awarded death penalty in 2001 in connection with the brutal murders of 35 Bhumihars by Maoist Communist Centre. SC confirmed the death sentence on April 15th, 2002.