CG News: Ahead of Independence Day, a new dawn of freedom has arrived for 101 prisoners serving life sentences in the state’s jails. At the government’s initiative, these inmates were released before completing their full sentences, based on their good conduct and satisfactory behavior while incarcerated. This group includes five prisoners from Jagdalpur Central Jail. All of them had been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and will now step out of prison to begin a new, normal life.
Prisoners Granted Release
Those released from Jagdalpur Central Jail include Kartami Rama, son of Hidma (69), a resident of Darbha; Vibhuti Bhushan Sahu, son of Vinod Chandra (42), from NALCO, Odisha; Mehar Singh, son of Agnu Dugga (35), from Durgukondal; Budhram, son of Sukhdev (36), from Chhindnar, Gidam; and Virendra Nareti, son of Bhanuram (46), from Badgaon, Kanker. According to the Jail Department, these inmates were granted premature release based on good conduct, in accordance with Rule 318. Their behavior, conduct, and participation in rehabilitative activities during their long imprisonment were key factors in the release process.
Emphasis on Reformation Alongside Punishment
This release, timed for Independence Day, focuses on the concept of reformation and rehabilitation rather than merely a system of punishment within jails. By offering premature release to inmates with good conduct, they have been given the opportunity to rejoin the mainstream of society. “These inmates now have the chance to step out of prison life and start afresh amidst their families and society.” — Akshay Tiwari, Superintendent, Central Jail Jagdalpur.
Highest Number of Releases from Bilaspur (29 Prisoners)
Among the 101 prisoners released from Chhattisgarh’s five central jails, the highest number—29 inmates—were from Bilaspur Central Jail. Subsequently, life-term convicts were granted premature release: 23 from Raipur Central Jail, 21 from Durg, 16 from Ambikapur, and 5 from Jagdalpur.
9 Prisoners Released from Raipur Central Jail
Meanwhile, ahead of August 15, nine prisoners—including one woman—were released from Raipur Central Jail. All of them had been serving life sentences for murder. As they walked out of the prison, each prisoner held a copy of the Gita. Some were met by their families, while others set out alone to continue the rest of their journey. Upon their release, some simply said they wanted to live the rest of their lives well, while others just smiled and moved on. Everyone was happy, though they lacked the words to fully express that joy.
