PANAJI
Supreme Court has ordered the release of Ryan Fernandes serving life sentence in the 2005 case pertaining to murder of his father-in-law Dr Shrikant Verekar.
The SC delivered its verdict after Ryan had challenged the order of the State Sentence Review Board held on 16.06.2021, rejecting the proposal for his premature release.
“The decision taken by the Board in its meeting held on 16.06.2021 is quashed and set aside, the petitioner herein is directed to be released forthwith,” states the SC order.
The apex court also pointed out the statement of SP North that family members -- mother and wife -- are ready to accept the prisoner if released prematurely.
Verenkar was abducted from Mangor Hill, Vasco, when on a morning walk by Fernandes and his accomplices. His body was discovered two days later, at an isolated spot at Cansaulim.
Ryan was sentenced to death by Margao sessions court in 2007 which was later converted to life sentence by High Court in 2012.
