Ranchi: The Jharkhand government on Saturday
announced Rs one lakh as ex-gratia to a man who had spent four
months in jail because his nickname matched that of a wanted
person.
State HRD Minister Hemlal Murmu announced in the assembly
that Rameshwar Lohara alias Chhotu would be given ex-gratia of
Rs one lakh and added investigating officer in the case would
be suspended.
Lohara had been arrested instead of Upendra Oraon alias
Chhotu in the case. The two hailed from the same place.
Lohara was sent to judicial custody by a local court
after his arrest. He was, however, set free by the court on
December 2, 2009 following an appeal by the police.
Raising the issue in the house, CPI (ML-Liberation) MLA
Vinod Kumar Singh said Lohara had already spent Rs one lakh in
meeting legal expenses and should be given Rs two lakh and a
job.
At this, Chief Minister Shibu Soren said, "We will look
into it."
PTI
