The story of a man sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder case in Telangana is shocking. Sandela Veeranna, who came out of jail on 30-day parole, did not return to jail. After this, he continued living a normal life for about four decades. During this time, he got the job of a government teacher and in 2004 he also got the best teacher award. Now after the order of Telangana High Court, he has been sent to jail again.
Veeranna was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1983 for the murder that took place in the late 1970s. He got parole about six months after his sentence. After this he did not surrender in jail. In May 2024, the Special Task Force of Telangana Prison Department with the help of Mahabubabad Police traced him and admitted him to Cherlapally Central Jail.
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Got a government job while absconding
After absconding from parole, Veeranna started living in Danthalapalli in Mahabubabad district. He secured a job as a government teacher by hiding information about his criminal background and conviction. His work during his tenure was appreciated and he received the Best Teacher Award in 2004. He retired from government service in 2013.
High Court Justice T Madhavi Devi expressed displeasure over Veeranna's conduct. The court said that obtaining a government job by hiding criminal background and conviction is a serious matter. According to the court, his government service indicated that he had obtained the job fraudulently.
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Wife had asked for release on medical grounds
Veeranna's wife Sandela Charamma had approached the High Court for his release. He said that Veeranna has been in jail for a long time and is suffering from serious health problems. He needs specialist treatment. The wife also told that their son lives in Britain and there is no one to take care of him. The government opposed the petition, saying that medical facilities are available in Cherlapalli jail and prisoners are also given specialist treatment when needed.
The court also reprimanded the jail administration
The High Court rejected the demand for Veeranna's release. The court said that he had deliberately not returned to jail after the end of his parole. The court also held that he was given adequate opportunity to present his case on parole violation.
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However, the court also slammed the jail administration for not being able to catch Veeranna for nearly 40 years. The court ordered the authorities to make better arrangements and prepare clear guidelines for monitoring the prisoners released on parole. Also asked to form a special task force to keep an eye on such prisoners.