‘No One Killed Jessica’ Director, Reacts To Manu Sharma’s 20 Million USD Controversy, ‘Our Rage..’-wps journal
Wyatt Mason 
Jessica Lal murder case left the entire country in shock. While the proceedings for the case were expedited after a public outcry for justice in 2006. What happens after the justice is served? Director, Raj Kumar Gupta, who made a film inspired by the matter in 2011, revealed how he reacted when the culprit was released after serving his sentence.
Raj Kumar Gupta reacts to the rehabilitation of Manu Sharma
Manu Sharma, the killer of Jessica Lal resurfaced on the headlines in December 2024, for his rehabilitation after his sentence was completed. Manu was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006 for the atrocious murder. However, he was later released in June 2020 on the grounds of good behaviour. While, his release was one topic, it was found in 2024 that he was also the owner of the whiskey brand, Indri.
In a recent conversation with Mid-Day, filmmaker, Raj Kumar Gupta reacted to the release of Manu Sharma. The director, who is extremely close to the case, having directed the film, No One Killed Jessica, starring Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji, inspired by the case, opened up about his thoughts on the news. He revealed that he was numb when he learnt of Manu’s post-release life. However, he recalled Jessica’s sister, Sabrina Lal’s letter and stated:
“Sabrina Lal had fought tooth and nail to get her sister justice. However, in 2018, she had written a letter to the Tihar Jail authorities, stating that she had forgiven Manu for his crime. She had said, ‘He has served his sentence and I’ve forgiven him. It will be like a catharsis to forgive and move on.’ When I had first read about her stand, I was numb. Our loss or rage can’t be more than Sabrina’s. No one suffered as much as she did. Yet, she didn’t oppose his release. Everyone can have an individual take on it, but Sabrina reminds me of forgiveness.”
What happened in December 2024?
It was in December 2024 that reports broke out that Manu, who went by the name Siddharth Sharma after his release, had amassed a GBP 15 million fortune, equivalent to approximately USD 20 million, and owned a whiskey brand in Scotland. Manu was able to open the distillery in Argyll and Bute through his family’s company, Piccadilly Agro Industries. It led to wide debate over his rehabilitation and the role of privilege in it. The incident left director, Raj Kumar Gupta with more questions than answers. In the same conversation he was quoted as saying:
“Forgiveness is individual choice, and I’m conflicted. The court served justice. After that, he returns to where he was. This makes me wonder whether a criminal, who has served their time, has a right to live a normal life again. I wonder, doesn’t a criminal, having served his sentence, deserve to assimilate in the society or earn a living?”
About Jessica Lal’s case
It was in 1999, when Jessica Lal was murdered by Manu Sharma, the son of a renowned politician for not serving him alcohol. However, after a public outcry, the case was reopened in March 2006. The Delhi High Court fast-tracked the proceedings and Manu was convicted in December 2006.
What are your thoughts on Raj Kumar Gupta’s revelations?
Next Read: Seema Sajdeh Reveals Her 24 YO Son, Nirvaan Shares His Relationship Issues With Her, ‘I Am His…’
