MYSORE: In view of the increasing instances of misuse of parole by inmates across the state, the Prison Department has decreased the parole period from 90 days to 60. Also, it has made it mandatory for permission from the superintendent of police (SP) or police commissioner prior to releasing the inmates on parole.
Earlier, once inmates seek parole, the jailor used to release them based on the report submitted by the head constable/ station house officer or sub-inspector of the police station where the inmate was housed. Inmates were also said to have bribed jailors for getting released on parole, which resulted in a spurt in crime in places such as Tumkur, Hubli-Dharwad and Gulbarga.
Recently, an inmate serving his sentence for dacoity at the Tumkur prison indulged in the same crime when he was out on parole.
Moreover, in the last decade, around 60 inmates who went out on parole did not return. The prisons found it difficult to arrest them again as the SP or Commissioner of Police said that they had no knowledge of these inmates.
The prisoners, also at times apply for parole without strong reasons. Due to this, the Prison Department cut down the number of parole days from 90 to 60. The new guidelines stipulate that a prisoner at a time can apply for 30 days parole.
Till December, the inmates, except those serving death sentences, could apply for 90 days parole. Owing to the increasing number of parole misuse, K V Gagandeep streamlined the Parole Manual once he became the ADGP, Prison Department.
Gagandeep said, “We are not denying parole to inmates but we have changed guidelines to bring down the offences and misuse of parole. We will give 30 days parole if recommended by the Superintendent or Commissioner of Police. If he/she wants again, we will give another 30 days. If the situation demands, we will give 15 days emergency parole.”
He said that after granting paroles, the respective SP and Commissioner of Police are informed to keep a tab on the released inmates.