The once feared powerhouse, Udaybhan Karvariya, has been granted an early release from prison in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Convicted in the chilling AK-47 murder of MLA Jawahar Pandit, his exemplary prison conduct has now led to his liberation.
Flashback to the fateful 13th of August 1996: Prayagraj was left reeling as former MLA Jawahar Pandit and his driver were brazenly assassinated. After serving 28 years, Karvariya has been ordered released.
With the Governor's consent, the Department of Corrections has issued the release order for former MLA Udaybhan Karvariya. It mentioned that as of July 30, 2023, Karvariya has served 8 years, 3 months, and 22 days of non-parolable time, along with 8 years, 9 months, and 11 days of parolable sentence.
Following recommendations from the SSP and DM of Prayagraj and the clemency panel's approval due to Karvariya's outstanding behavior, an early release has been sanctioned.
On receiving two sureties and a bond of equivalent amount, the prisoner is to be freed as per the specifications of the SP and DM of Prayagraj.
The first roar of an AK-47 in Prayagraj
Back on August 13, 1996, Prayagraj heard the terrifying roar of AK-47 gunfire for the first time when gunmen riddled former SP MLA Jawahar Pandit with bullets. On November 4, 2019, the courts convicted the Karvariya brothers, including former BSP MP Kapil Muni Karvariya and others, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
Originally hailing from Chaknara village in Kaushambi's Manjhanpur, the Karvariya family was known for their political clout across Allahabad. Udaybhan Karvariya was the first family member to capture a political victory. His father had run as an independent from both the North and South Allahabad constituencies without success. It was after this assassination that Udaybhan Karvariya's tenure in jail, observed for good conduct, has led to his release.
The assassination of Jawahar Pandit
It was a Tuesday, August 13, 1996. Pandit decided to tour his constituency, accompanied by his personal gunman and driver. A van appeared to follow them. As they turned towards Civil Lines, the van followed. Pandit told his driver not to worry, attributing it to the politics of election season. But soon after, a car blocked them; the van approached swiftly, and in a swift, brutal assault, the mercenaries opened fire. This was the first time Allahabad witnessed the horror of AK-47 gunfire. In the melee, Pandit and another person tragically became casualties of the ruthless attack.
