After four decades behind bars, Indian-origin man allowed to remain in US

An immigration court in the United States has ruled that Indian-origin Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam can reportedly remain in the country, marking a significant legal victory after more than 40 years in prison for a murder conviction that was later overturned.

As per reports, the decision was delivered by Judge Adam Panopoulos, who rejected efforts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deport the 64-year-old. The court found that Vedam had demonstrated substantial rehabilitation and did not pose a threat to public safety.

In his ruling, the judge reportedly noted that Vedam “has grown as a person” and had devoted himself to education and helping others, adding that allowing him to remain in the United States would be in the country’s best interest.

Vedam had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last year, just as he was due to be released following the overturning of his conviction in the 1980 killing of Thomas Kinser in Pennsylvania. He had reportedly spent more than four decades in prison for the crime, which he consistently denied.

During the hearing, Vedam reiterated his innocence, reportedly stating that he had ‘never stopped’ maintaining that he did not commit the murder.

Despite the conviction being vacated, Vedam faced deportation due to earlier drug-related offences. As a teenager, he had pleaded no contest to charges related to the sale of LSD, making him liable for removal under US immigration law.

Legal representatives for the DHS argued that his past, which also included offences such as driving under the influence and theft, justified deportation. However, the court took into account his conduct during incarceration, including earning multiple academic degrees, mentoring fellow inmates and contributing to literacy programmes.

The judge cited “genuine rehabilitation” and a consistent display of good moral character over the past four decades, along with strong family ties and community support, in reaching the decision.

Born in Mumbai, Vedam reportedly moved to the United States as an infant and grew up in Pennsylvania, where his father was a physics professor. He was reportedly close to obtaining US citizenship at the time of his arrest in 1982.

Following the ruling, his lawyer said she would seek his release on bond. If granted, Vedam is expected to live with relatives in California and has been offered a place in a doctoral programme in applied anthropology.

The Department of Homeland Security has 30 days to appeal the decision. Until then, Vedam remains in custody.