Staines did not convert people, asserts widow

NEW DELHI, NOV 18: Gladys Staines, widow of slain Australian missionary Graham Staines, on Thursday said she had forgiven Dara Singh, her husband’s alleged killer, and termed as a "misnomer" charges that Staines was engaged in conversion activities in Orissa.

"I usually do not involve myself in such matters. I have left it for God to act. He (God) will deal with people as he deems fit," Gladys told reporters here, asked about the failure of the police in nabbing Dara Singh.

Asked specifically whether she has forgiven him, she said, "Yes. My 13-year-old daughter Esther asked me as to why people cannot forgive."

Staines is in the Capital to garner support for the proposed 40-bed hospital for leprosy patients in Baripada in Orissa in memory of her late husband and two sons, who were burnt alive in January.