Mysuru: Though the occasion was sombre, there was palpable joy on many faces in the Mysuru Central Prison as the convicts released for good conduct hugged their family members present as tears rolled down their cheeks.

The State Government usually releases prisoners for good conduct during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. However, this time it has released 17 convicts including a few serving life term before the expiry of their sentence period.

The Prison Department based on the direction from the State Government had passed orders on Dec.8 to the Prison authorities of the Mysuru Central Prison to release eligible prisoners.

Accordingly, MLA Vasu presented release certificates to 15 male prisoners who had served 14 years jail sentence. Another two male prisoners, one of who was 65 years old and served 12 years sentence and pardoned for good conduct were also released.

Speaking on the occasion Vasu said, “You were in jail for lack of witnesses or because of the circumstances and also for the crime committed. But because of your good conduct the Government thought it fit to release you people. You should forget the bitter experience in the jail and start a new life in the outside world and lead a normal life like everyone.”

He said that everyone was equal in the eyes of the law and it works strictly according to rules laid down. Hence, all of us have responsibility to function within the confines of the Law. “While leaving the jail, one should always say I am going and not say I am going and coming back,” he said.

Reacting to the charge of Prof. Nanjaraje Urs that the prisoners once released were being denied loans, Vasu said that the banks couldn’t reject the applications saying it cannot extend the loan facility. “If the banks reject then approach the local MLA. For instance if a released prisoner is from the Chamaraja constituency which I represent, I will see that you will get loan and if there is a legal hurdle then I will pay Rs.25,000 from my pocket,” he said.

S.D. Ravikumar, a released convict sharing his experience said that he had to pay the price for committing a mistake and being punished for it by being imprisoned. This has thought all of us big lessons in life. “What we have suffered our family members should not suffer,” he said emotionally. “The parents always hope that their children will shelter them in their old age. However, we have betrayed them. We will not repeat the mistake again.

Zilla Panchayat President Nayeema Sultana Nazeer Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner Yogesh, District Surgeon Dr. M. Pashupati, Corporator Suhail Baig, Advocate H.S. Yashoda, Jail Superintendent K.C. Diyashree, Assistant Superintendent M.R. Satish and others were present. Convict J. Venkatesh sang the invocation.

Following are the names of the convicts released: Mysuru District Nanjangud Taluk’s Bokkalli Soma, Kodagu District Somwarpet Taluk Kallalli resident K. Srinivas, Chamarajanagar District, Kollegal Taluk Madhuvanahalli resident Siddappa, Gundlupet resident Sukka, Hassan Taluk Araseehalli resident Ravi, Kushalnagar Hobli Guddehosuru resident Soligara Sannappa, T. Narasipura Taluk Ketupura residents Boregowda, T. Swamy, Krishnegowda, Dakshina Kannada District Puttur Taluk Manjotekere resident Suresh, Hassan District Beluru Taluk Gendehalli resident S.D. Ravikumar, Arakalgudu Taluk Mallipattana Hobli Parasanahalli resident Puttegowda, Nanjangud Taluk Kalale resident Hanumanthanayaka, Sakaleshpura Taluk Kalganimajare resident K.S. Delex, Mysuru Kesare resident Imran, Somawarpet Taluk Bembaluru resident B.B. Lokesh and Virajpet Taluk Anekavadi resident J.K. Mooga.

As I was released for good conduct, I feel I am reborn. I will try to build a new life in the same place where I lost it. I will proudly say that I have not completed my term serving the sentence but I was released for good conduct.”                               

—Siddappa, released convict

On the one hand I am very happy that I am released but when I look at the condition of the prisoners I feel very sad. Prisoners who have been living in the jail for many years with deteriorating health and old age must be released. The government should take action in this direction.”                       

—B. Lokesh, released convict.