Every year on the occasion of Independence Day some life convict prisoners are released including dreaded criminals accused in more serious crimes. In this connection human rights activities and organisations have to say that every year on the occasion of Independence Day majority of the life convicts who are released have political backing. But family of a prisoner in Hyderabad always has to suffer disappointment. We are talking about ex-constable Abdul Qadeer who is serving a life sentence at Cherlapally jail. In his 25th year he is the longest serving inmate in the jails of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, second to him is people’s war leader V. Ganesh serving his 17th year.
Qadeer was imprisoned for killing assistant commissioner of police Sattaiah in the communal riots of early 1990s. Every year on the occasion of Independence Day Abdul Qadeer’s wife and children hope that this time Abdul Qadeer’s name would find a place in the list but their dreams are shattered every year. In this connection people feel that had he been any Reddy or Kumar, he would have been released before the completion of 14 years. The reason Muslim and non-Muslim intellectuals believe that Muslims are politically weak they don’t have courage to release their prisoners.
Ramadan Mubarak is on the onset. Abdul Qadeer’s wife Sabera Begum and their children hope to spend Ramadan and Eid with Abdul Qadeer. If Muslims become firm on their stand government will have no other option but to concede to the demand.
Abdul Qadeer was a 29-year-old man when the incident occurred. He is now 55 years old, but looks 70 year old due to his ailments. His leg has been amputated.
Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju has launched an online campaign for the release of ex-constable Abdul Qadeer. Contacting chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao over social media, Justice Katju “appealed” to the CM to ask Governor ESL Narasimhan to pardon Qadeer. Contacting Siasat editor Mr. Zahed Ali Khan Justice Markandey Katju who is presently in California, America, told that using his powers under section 161 of Indian constitution state governor can ensure release of Abdul Qadeer. Abdul Qadeer has spent 24 prime years of his life in jail he must be released on humanitarian grounds.
Siasat news