Chikkamagaluru, Jan 27 (DHNS): Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Tuesday that suitable changes had been made in the law for the release of prisoners with good conduct.

As per the changed rules, a total of 375 convicts were being released on Tuesday. The approval by the Cabinet to this effect had received the governor’s assent, Parameshwara said. Male prisoners who have reached 65 years of age and have served 14 years in prison and female prisoners who have reached 60 years and served 14 years in prison were eligible for release in future, the minister said.

He was addressing a press conference after taking part in the Republic day parade in the city.

The Home department had taken the necessary precautions against terror activities, he said.

The Garuda squad had become functional in the State on the lines of the National Security Guards, he said. The police were being provided modern weapons and training to utilise them to tackle terror elements, the minister said. Parameshwara said all necessary measures had been taken to check the ultras in the light of the arrest of IS men.

Belagavi report

As many as 114 convicts including five women serving life term were released from Central Prison, Hindalaga in Belagavi on Tuesday. The prison authorities had recommended release of 127 prisoners, but the advisory committee did not clear the names of 13 for release.

Similarly, 23 prisoners were released from Ballari central jail.