Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 10: In an incident which was reported from the central prison at Parappana Agrahara here, women prisoners mobbed visiting home minister, Dr G Parameshwar, on Sunday September 9. 

Parameshwar had visited the prison to take part in a programme meant for releasing prisoners who have completed requite term based on good conduct before their actual prison term ends. Women prisoners, who came to know that none of the women prisoners were being released, surrounded the minister and raised ruckus. The situation inside the prison turned serious, at which the minister was overwhelmed, and he instructed prison officials to send away media persons. 

It is a common practice to release prisoners who conform to certain norms, for good conduct on August 15 (Independence Day) and again on January 26 (Republic Day) every year. This time the government had prepared a list of such prisoners to be released as on August 15, and Parameshwar had visited the prison to hand over letters of release to the concerned. 

The women prisoners were agitated after coming to know that the list of 79 prisoners prepared for being released does not have any female prisoner's name. They therefore blocked the entry of the minister inside. 

Speaking at the function after the situation was handled by the prison staff, Parameshwar said that all the criminals engage in crime intentionally but law views all the people with the same yardstick. He said that prisoners who regret their past mistakes and want to lead a honourable life are being given an opportunity through this scheme to lead respectable life. Parameshwar said that the list of prisoners to be released had been passed by the cabinet and sent to the governor for approval, but as he sought some clarifications, the process was delayed as the government had to submit replies to objections before the approval could be obtained. 

Deputy inspector general of prisons department, H S Revanna, speaking at the function, explained about various schemes introduced by the government for the reformation of prisoners like setting aside money for their skill development, appointment of 1,171 wardens and 32 jailers and added that the government has proposed to provide 700 television sets for providing entertainment to prisoners.

All the 79 prisoners set for release on Sunday had been brought together  at Parappana Agrahara prison from seven different prisons in the state. All of them were released by handing them letters of release at the function. 

City police commissioner, T Sunil Kumar, and additional inspector general of prisons, N S Megharik, were present.