Sher Singh Rana, born as Pankaj Singh Pundir on May 17, 1976, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, is a name that evokes intrigue, controversy, and a deep sense of mystery. Known for his role in the assassination of Phoolan Devi, the infamous dacoit-turned-politician, Rana’s life is a tapestry of crime, politics, and rebellion. His journey from a small-town Rajput boy to a convicted assassin, escape artist, and eventually a politician is nothing short of extraordinary.
Early Life and Background
Sher Singh Rana was born into a Hindu Rajput family in Roorkee, a town known for its engineering heritage. Growing up in a traditional household, Rana was deeply influenced by the stories of Rajput valor and pride. His early life was unremarkable, but his later actions suggest a man driven by a strong sense of caste identity and revenge.
The Assassination of Phoolan Devi
Phoolan Devi, once a feared dacoit and later a Member of Parliament, was assassinated on July 25, 2001, outside her residence in New Delhi. Sher Singh Rana, along with two accomplices, was charged with her murder. Rana claimed his actions were motivated by revenge for Devi’s alleged massacre of 22 Thakur men in 1981, an event that left a deep scar on the Rajput community.
Rana’s confession and subsequent trial revealed a man who saw himself as a vigilante, delivering justice for his community. His boldness in admitting to the crime and his justification based on caste pride made him a polarizing figure in Indian society.
The Great Escape and International Manhunt
In a dramatic turn of events, Rana escaped from Tihar Jail, one of India’s most secure prisons, on February 17, 2004. His escape was meticulously planned. He traveled across India under assumed identities, even applying for a passport in the name of Sanjay Gupta. Rana’s journey took him to Bangladesh, Dubai, and Afghanistan, where he claimed to have retrieved the ashes of the legendary Rajput king, Prithviraj Chauhan.
Rana’s ability to evade capture for over two years showcased his resourcefulness. He used satellite phones to communicate, lived under aliases, and even managed to secure financial support from sympathizers. His eventual arrest in Kolkata in April 2006 was the result of a meticulous investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), who tracked him through his subscription to a Hindi newspaper.
Trial, Conviction, and Release
After a decade-long trial, Rana was sentenced to life imprisonment in August 2014 for the murder of Phoolan Devi, along with charges of conspiracy. However, his time in prison was marked by political ambitions. In 2012, he was allowed to file his nomination for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections from behind bars.
In a surprising turn, Rana was granted bail by the Delhi High Court and released on October 24, 2016. His release reignited debates about justice, caste politics, and the influence of vigilante figures in Indian society.
Political Aspirations and Personal Life
After his release, Rana ventured into politics, forming his own party, the Rashtravadi Janlok Party (RJP), in 2019. His political ideology revolves around Rajput pride and nationalism, appealing to a specific segment of the population.
On February 28, 2018, Rana married Pratima Singh, the daughter of a former MLA from Madhya Pradesh. The wedding was a modest affair, with Rana famously refusing a dowry worth crores of rupees, further cementing his image as a man of principles, albeit controversial ones.
Legal Troubles and Charges
Throughout his life, Rana has faced numerous legal challenges. Apart from the charges related to Phoolan Devi’s assassination, he has been accused of escape from confinement (Section 223 IPC), resistance to lawful apprehension (Section 224 IPC), personation (Section 419 IPC), dishonestly inducing delivery of property (Section 420 IPC), and forgery (Section 467 IPC). These charges paint a picture of a man who has consistently defied authority.
Legacy and Controversy
Sher Singh Rana remains a divisive figure. To some, he is a hero who avenged the honor of his community. To others, he is a criminal who took the law into his own hands. His life story is a reflection of the complexities of caste, justice, and politics in India.