Celebratory Release Sparks Tensions
Mahendra Hembram, convicted for the 1999 murder of missionary Graham Staines and his sons, was released in April from Keonjhar jail in Odisha, India. His early release after 25 years, granted on the grounds of good behavior, was met with celebration by Hindu nationalist groups. Supporters welcomed him with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and garlands of flowers. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, praised the decision as a victory. Bajrang Dal members had long claimed that Hembram and others acted to protect indigenous Hindu culture from missionary influence in tribal areas.
Christian Leaders Decry Public Celebration
Christian leaders and human rights advocates condemned the hero’s welcome. John Dayal of the United Christian Forum for Human Rights said the early release sends a troubling message. “He is a convicted killer,” Dayal stated, criticizing the government for integrating Hembram into civil life with little scrutiny. The event has reignited debate over rising Hindu nationalism in India. Many fear that such pardons normalize religious violence and undermine the justice system’s credibility.
A Gruesome Murder That Shook the World
Graham Staines, an Australian missionary, and his two sons, ages six and ten, were burned alive in their Jeep by a mob in Manoharpur in 1999. The attackers, part of the Bajrang Dal, targeted Staines for his work among tribal converts. Hembram was one of three convicted; the majority of other suspects were acquitted. Dara Singh, the ringleader, is still imprisoned. One attacker, a minor at the time, served a reduced sentence. Investigations initially led to 51 arrests, but judicial leniency over the years has fueled accusations of bias and political influence in the courts.
Forgiveness and Legacy Amid Pain
Despite the tragedy, Gladys Staines, Graham’s widow, forgave the killers and continued to serve at the leprosy mission. Her public act of grace inspired many, including eyewitness Subhankar Ghosh, who struggled deeply after the event. Gladys and her daughter Esther later returned to Australia but visited India as recently as December 2024. Ghosh, who was falsely accused during the trial, has since shared his testimony in churches, advocating for forgiveness as part of the healing process. He believes faith compels believers to forgive, even in the darkest moments.
Staines’ Mission Lives On
The Evangelical Missionary Society in Mayurbhanj has expanded its work, including hospitals and hostels named after the Staines family. Though leprosy rates remain high in Odisha, the mission continues to serve. Remarkably, Christianity has grown in Manoharpur since the murders, with some former attackers now part of the church. Gladys Staines received multiple honors, including India’s Padma Shri, for her humanitarian efforts. The village that once witnessed horror now remembers the Staineses as symbols of peace, compassion, and enduring faith.
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Hindu Mobs Killed His Friend. He Forgave Them.
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