108-yr-old prisoner recognises grandchild, thinks he is in jail

LUCKNOW: The oldest prisoner at 108, Brij Bihari's wish to see his native village Barhara in Maharajganj district has been fulfilled. However the centenarian has failed to realise that he has been released from the jail.
Unable to hear properly or even talk barring in a few monosyllables, the murderer of four persons, neither recognised his nephew Ghanshyam Pandey's wife Krishnawati, her son Avneesh, who along with two others were present to complete the bail formalities, which finally paved way for his release from Gorakhpur's divisional jail on Friday evening.
"Surrounded by hordes of mediapersons at his house, Baba had rice and pulses along with vegetable in the morning," Avneesh alias Munna told TOI. However, on Friday night, when he reached Maharajganj, he refused to take dinner probably due to some problem, Munna further said.
Baba still thinks that he is in jail, Munna said and added, "At times he starts saying something to the jailor and at times he starts talking to some doctor. His voice has also become unclear and almost inaudible." Old age has virtually led to a complete memory loss
"The only solace for us is that Baba at times is able to recognise my sister Vandana," said Munna, who was only three-year-old when Brij Bihari and 15 others went on a killing spree leaving four dead on June 15, 1987. Baba was 84 at that time.
In jail since December 2009 after being sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, Brij Bihari's health had become a major cause of concern for jail authorities. Baba had to remain in hospital most of the time during his jail stint. Even after he was granted bail by the high court on May 26, Brij Bihari could not see light of the day as no one had turned up at the lower court to complete the bail formalities. However, on Friday, Avneesh along with two others had finally filled the bail bond, which finally led to release of Baba.
Even though Baba repents committing the crime, no one from Brij Bihari's family goes to offer prayer at Lord Jagannath Temple. Munna said, "We fear that the mahant and his aides might try to do some harm to us." On Friday, the oldest prisoner after being released from Gorakhpur jail at around 7:15 p.m. reached his village at around 10:00 p.m. amidst rousing welcome including garlanding and hugs from the villagers, Munna told TOI.
"Around 300 villagers had assembled at our house when Baba reached home," his grandson said. Along with celebrations, gathering of villagers at Baba's house is still continuing.