New Delhi: Expressing "great satisfaction" over the conviction of Dara Singh in the Staines murder case, Catholic Bishop's Conference of India (CBCI) on September 17 said it hopes that the conviction will serve as an effective deterrent to those who disturb communal harmony and propagate hate agenda.

CBCI in a statement said, "The conviction of the guilty by the court was proof that the truth and justice would prevail. It is a matter of great satisfaction that the law of the land has firmly established that the human rights guaranteed in the Constitution of India are safeguarded and promoted."

Although widow of Graham Staines had forgiven the murders of her husband and children, the law of the land had to take its rightful course in punishing the guilty, CBCI said.

"We, the Catholic Bishops of India have strong faith in the Indian judicial system that plays a crucial role in bringing justice to all sections of people in the country. We pray for the change of heart of all those convicted. We offer them to God so that He might give them sufficient graces to lead a good and virtuous life," they added.

PTI