This is a story of an incredible struggle. Four daughters fought a legal battle for 48 years to prove their father innocent of a murder charge. They had an unwavering belief that their father was innocent. Finally, their steadfastness triumphed. The Allahabad High Court acquitted 104-year-old Lakshman Saroj, a resident of Paschim Sarira village in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district, after 46 years.

End of a Long Wait

The court ordered Lakshman’s release on May 2, but a delay in receiving the judgment copy meant he spent another 20 days in jail. Even this 20-day wait seemed insignificant, as Lakshman Saroj had to wait nearly half a century to taste freedom. While his son did not stand by him in this long struggle, the elderly man’s four daughters and sons-in-law never left his side for a moment.

After being released from jail, the elderly Lakshman Saroj is now living with his daughter Asha and son-in-law Rajendra Kumar in Paschim Sarira village, which is also his daughter Asha’s in-laws’ village.

What Happened That Day?

The incident occurred in 1977. Lakshman, a resident of Gauraya village in the Kaushambi police station area, had a heated altercation with two individuals named Prabhu Saroj and Jagan. Lakshman claims that on August 6 of that year, Prabhu, accompanied by 10-12 intoxicated people, attacked his home. He was beaten, and other family members came out to save him. During the scuffle, Prabhu Saroj was severely injured and later died. In this incident, the police filed a charge sheet against Lakshman, and he was later jailed. After initially being held in Naini Jail, he was transferred to Kaushambi Jail. Although he was later granted bail, after five years of trial, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Daughters’ Unwavering Struggle

Regarding the long struggle, Lakshman Saroj said, “Despite being innocent, I spent 48 years in jail. My father was alive when the court handed down the sentence. He fought the case for some time. After a few years, my father passed away. Then my daughters started the fight.” The elderly man’s only son works as a daily wage laborer. He has five daughters—Lalti Devi, Bacchi Devi, Asha Devi, and Sarita. Another daughter has passed away.

Lakshman stated, “My son Surajbali did not stand by me in this fight. But Asha and the husband of my deceased daughter Nirasha started the legal battle for me. Later, my other daughters also joined them.”

The elderly man is extremely happy to experience freedom after such a long time. In his words, “Now I can live the rest of my life in peace.” This incident proves that the fight for truth is never in vain, no matter how long it may be.