<![CDATA[BENGALURU: 284 convicts were released from jails across the state on the 70 th Independence Day. They walked out of prisons with a hope of leading a reformed life. 284 convicts, including four former associates of forest brigand Veerappan, were released after taking into account their good conduct and years of sentence served, they included 48 women. 120 convicts walked out of the Central jail located at Parappana Agrahara in Bengaluru, while 52, including Veerappan’s associates, were released in Mysuru, 35 people were released from the Belagavi jail. It was an emotional moment for those walking out of the prison, where they spent over a decade. When they stepped out of the gate, their eyes were filled with tears. Many thanked prison officials for helping through their tenure in jail. For few convicts there were relatives waiting outside to receive them, while some walked home alone. “I used to come near the main gate to see the movement of people. I would stand for a while and go back to my barrack in tears. Today my dream has finally came true”, said Suresh, a native of Kunigal, who served 16 years for murder. Suresh (42) was a farmer before he was arrested for murder. “I was being treated well by jail officials and staff. But no one should come here. I have a dream of running a dairy,” he said. Akkamahadevi (73), who was accused of murdering her husband, walked gingerly out of the prison carrying three small bags. “I was in prison for more than 14 years but no one came to meet me. I think someone has come to receive me,” she said. Subramani (39) a native of Hosakote was accused of murder and spent 18 years in jail. He said he learnt yoga in jail and started teaching it to others by going to other jails across the state. Honnamma (38) spent 14 years in jail for kidnap and murder. A native of Shivamogga, she spent learnt baking while in jail and also worked as a night beat security guard. I earned more than `1.25 lakh, which will help me to lead my life,” she said.]]>
