A Indian mother was finally released on a $172 bail after being incarcerated for 18 years according to CNN. A pregnant Vijaya Kumari was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her neighbor. She gave birth to son Kanhaiya shortly after.
The new mother entered a not guilty plea and was given the opportunity of being released on bail "pending an appeal." Family and friends did not support Kumari and left her and her baby behind bars.
"No one from my family or in-laws came to my help," she told CNN.
Kanhaiya was later transported to juvenile government center at the age of six. When he was finally released, he worked day and night for the release of his mother.
"I was very sad. Without her, I had no one by me," he said. "I worked very, very hard to get the money for the release of my mother. I'm very happy now."
According to CNN, Kanhaiya gained his freedom last year after spending seven years in the juvenile government center. He was offered a job at a garment factory after sharing his story with his current employer.
"He was out of work and couldn't make ends meet," AH Rehman, Kanhaiya's boss, said "He asked for a job that would provide him with some livelihood, so I got him a job in a ready-made garment shop."
It's unclear why Kumari's husband refused to rush to his pregnant wife's aid. There have been no reports of the mother and son reuniting with the family and friends that left them at the mercy of the Indian courts.
Indian courts are known for their confession based convictions and flawed government. No court date or any developments in Kumari's case have been reported.
