Tears rolled down the eyes of many while some faces were lit with joy and hope. Some others walked out with confidence of beginning life afresh, and everyone was in a hurry, rushing to join their families. This was the scene at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison on Monday when 141 convicts, who had spent 14 years in prison, were released.
The convicts, including a woman, were undergoing life imprisonment and were released keeping in view their good conduct in addition to their time served in prison. They were from prisons in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Ballari, and Dharwad.
Omkarappa Kallappa had spent over 14 years in prison after being found guilty of murder. On Monday, he walked out of the prison once and for all. “I learnt the lessons of freedom and tolerance in jail. It is a horrible life inside. I wish and pray no one should do anything to be there,” he said, in tears. He plans to engage in agriculture in his native place Tarikere in Chikkamagalur district.
Dayanand, who spent more than 14 years in Parappana Agrahara prison, plans to start a mobile canteen. “I was involved in the bakery inside the prison. The jail taught me what life is without freedom and family. I am eager to go out and face the new world,” he said.
A convict, who did not give his name, said he knew it would not be easy to start a new life. “I hope society treats me well. I am a reformed person now. I committed a murder on the spur of the moment. I have paid a hefty price with many years away from the outside world and family,” he said.
On the day, an auditorium was inaugurated inside the jail, which will be used for cultural activities. Speaking at the programme, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the government is committed to set up the Prison Development Department for welfare of the staff and improvement of prisons. “The cabinet has also given clearance to include the prison department and fire department in the Auradkar Committee report,” he said.
N.S. Megharikh, DG, Prisons, said that the process of recruiting 777 warders and 12 jailers would be finished soon.
In-house radio station
Bengaluru Radio , an in-house community radio initiative for prison inmates, was launched at Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara by Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday. It has been hailed as the first of its kind in the State, and second in the country, only after the one in Tihar jail, New Delhi.
To run the station, 20 convicts (15 men and 5 women) have been trained by Radio City FM 91.1. Along with the prisoners, 11 personnel from the police department (7 men and 4 women) have also been trained.
Abraham Moses, general manager of Mindtree Foundation, which has sponsored the station, said that music had therapeutic value and would play an important role in imbibing positive energy among the prisoners.
G. Kannan, one of the inmates who has been trained to be a radio jockey, said that the radio would be used to educate, inform and entertain the inmates. “Entertainment is important for us as we are isolated. A day in the jail seems too long. The radio station might help us,” he said.
Aadya K., an inmate, said that radio would be one among many ways to keep oneself busy inside prison. “The station is both a skill and knowledge development. We read a lot before hosting a programme,” she said.
