Faheem Khan to Anil Sharma: Jharkhand Rejects Premature Release Proposals of 53 Life Convicts

Fifty-three prisoners serving life sentences in Jharkhand's jails will not be granted premature release after the State Sentence Review Board rejected all their proposals. The list includes several well-known names, such as Faheem Khan of Wasseypur in Dhanbad, Anil Sharma of Ranchi and Surendra Bangali, also known as Surendra Singh Rotela.

According to a notification issued by the state's Home, Prisons and Disaster Management Department, the proposals were considered at a board meeting held on July 30, 2026.

Faheem Khan, Anil Sharma and Surendra Bangali Get No Relief

Faheem Khan's case is linked to a murder. According to the available information, the Jharkhand High Court referred to his life sentence in the Sagir murder case in its judgment dated November 7, 2025. Reports submitted to the review board included recommendations from the police, prison authorities and probation officials that went against his premature release.

In Anil Sharma's case, the notification refers to the murder of another prisoner inside jail. Concerns were reportedly raised that his release could lead to gang violence and disturb public peace. The document also mentions an earlier escape from judicial custody.

Surendra Bangali alias Surendra Singh Rotela was convicted in a case involving the murder of two people for ransom. After considering the seriousness of the offences and reports from the relevant authorities, the board rejected his request for premature release as well.

Nawal Sahu Among Other Prisoners Denied Early Release

The list also includes Nawal Sahu of Lohardaga, who was convicted of murdering his maternal aunt. The board rejected his premature release proposal after considering the nature of the crime and reports submitted by the concerned authorities.

Why Were the Release Proposals Rejected?

The proposals concerned life convicts who had reportedly spent 20 years or more in prisons across Jharkhand. Before taking a decision, the board sought reports from the concerned authorities, including district magistrates and superintendents of police.

According to the reports, concerns were raised in some cases about the possibility of prisoners committing further offences after release, the risk of gang clashes and potential repercussions for law and order.

The board considered the nature and gravity of the offences, the reports submitted by the authorities and the available judicial records before rejecting all 53 proposals. The Home, Prisons and Disaster Management Department subsequently issued a notification formalising the decision.

With the rejection of these proposals, the 53 prisoners will not receive relief through premature release at this stage. However, the decision does not announce any fresh change to their existing sentences; it means only that their requests to be released before completing the applicable term have not been approved.