Rs 20 'Bribe' & 30-Year Jail: Innocent Man Dies Of Heart Attack A Day After Being Freed From Prison In Gujarat

Ahmedabad: An innocent man who spent three decades in prison died of heart attack just a day after being released from prison in Gujarat. The man, identified as police constable Babubhai Prajapati, was jailed for 30 years for taking a bribe of just Rs 20. After 30 long years, the Gujarat High Court declared him innocent and he was finally freed. Tragically, he could not enjoy his freedom for much long as he died within 24 hours of being released.

Babubhai Prajapati was a constable from Vejalpur, Ahmedabad, and had been charged of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Prajapati had challenged the charges levelled against him, however, his case remained pending for 22 long years.

The Gujarat High Court acquitted him in the case after as it couldn't establish any charges against him. It noted that there were contradictions in the statements of the witness.

Following the acquittal, Prajapati said, “Now the stigma has been removed from my life. Even if God takes me away, I will have no sorrow.” Hours later, he passed away, with his death highlighting that justice delayed is indeed justice denied.

His lawyer claimed that Prajapati was accused on the basis of suspicion.

Timeline

• 1997- Chargesheet filed against Babubhai Prajapati
• 2002- Charges framed against him
• 2003- Court hearing began
• 2004- Prajapati convicted, sentenced to jail and fined Rs 3,000
• 4 Feb, 2026- Prajapati declared innocent
• 5 Feb, 2026- He died of heart attack

The tragic case of Babubhai Prajapati has raised serious questions on the justice system of India.

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