After spending decades behind bars, 105-year-old Rasik Chandra Mandal has finally received complete freedom. Taking into account his advanced age and deteriorating health, the Supreme Court has waived the remaining portion of his life sentence.
Decision brought a sense of relief to his family
The decision has brought a sense of relief and happiness to his family, who can now hope to spend the final chapter of his life together.
Rasik Chandra is a resident of West Narayanpur village in Malda’s Manikchak. He was accused of killing his brother, Suresh Mandal, following a property dispute in 1988. In 1994, he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. At the time, Rasik was 74 years old.
A long legal battle for freedom
After spending years in prison, Rasik approached the Calcutta High Court in 2018 seeking release. However, he did not get relief from the court. He subsequently approached the Supreme Court. Although the top court initially did not cancel his sentence, his health continued to deteriorate as he grew older.
In 2020, at the age of 99, Rasik applied for premature release, citing his advanced age and several age-related health problems. In May 2021, the Supreme Court sought the West Bengal government’s response to his plea. The case continued for several years. In November 2024, the Supreme Court eventually ordered his interim release on bail or parole. Rasik had remained outside the prison since then.
Supreme Court ends decades-long ordeal
On Friday, a three-judge bench finally disposed of the case and decided that Rasik would not have to serve the remaining portion of his life sentence, considering his age and physical condition.
After nearly four decades of legal proceedings and imprisonment, the 105-year-old has finally been granted complete freedom. For his family, the court’s decision means that Rasik can now spend whatever time remains of his life surrounded by his loved ones, rather than behind prison walls.
Age has taken a heavy toll on him. His memory has weakened considerably, and he now struggles to speak properly. But after years of waiting, the 105-year-old will now be able to spend his remaining days at home, with his family, in an environment he can call his own.
