Gurugram,
Siddhartha Vashishta’s family is looking forward to seeing their son back home after 15 years jail. Sources close to the family said that Siddhartha alias Manu Sharma had completed 15 years without remissions and was entitled to be released, like other convicts as per the jail manual. At the same time they were happy that Sabrina Lall, sister of model Jessica Lall, who was shot dead by Manu, had given a “no objection” to the jail authorities.

On March 5, 2018, Sabrina wrote to Welfare Officer, Central Jail No 2, Tihar, that she had no objection to Manu’s release after serving a 15-year term “during which period, I am told, he has been doing good work for charity and helping inmates, which I feel is reflection of reforms… I would like to state I have no objection to his release, owing to the fact that he has spent 15 years in jail”.

Jessica’s sister went public through the media, saying: “In my mind, I have forgiven him. It will be like a catharsis to forgive and move on. I also need to get on with my life. I don’t want to hold on to any more anger or hurt. I feel that he has served his sentence.”

The letter was in response to a communication from the jail authorities regarding financial assistance from the victim’s welfare fund, which Sabrina declined. “I requested them to give it to someone more needy,” she told the media, rubbishing claims of a “settlement.”

A source said the jail term was aimed at reformation of the convict and the jail authorities had acknowledged the social work done by Manu, who ran a NGO in jail for the benefit of other convicts.

When The Tribune contacted sources close to Manu and his family, they expressed the hope that Manu would be released soon and that the era of “darkness” for both families (Jessica’s and Manu’s) would end. They felt that Manu had served the jail sentence with repentance in his heart and that he would be able to lead a normal and peaceful life once back home.