Jharkhand CM approves release of 39 lifers

Mail News Service

Ranchi, August 5: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has approved the release of 39 prisoners serving life sentences in various state prisons. This decision was made during the 31st meeting of the Jharkhand State Sentence Review Board, chaired by the Chief Minister. The board reviewed the cases of 74 prisoners serving life sentences and decided to release 39 among them.

CM Soren emphasized the importance of reintegrating the released prisoners into society. He directed officials to ensure that these prisoners were provided ample scope for self-employment to prevent them from illegal ways. The Chief Minister urged the development of special action plans to generate income for their livelihood, including provision of schematic benefits including dairy and poultry farming, and animal husbandry.

The review included thorough deliberations and discussions on court opinions and inputs from district Superintendents of Police, Jail Superintendents, and Probation Officers. The consensus was reached on the release of 39 prisoners after a detailed evaluation.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren instructed officials to verify the family background, social, and economic status of the released prisoners and to connect them with skill development programs. He emphasized the need for a robust plan to ensure that these individuals did not face social or financial difficulties after their release. The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of elderly prisoners who were being released.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Avinash Kumar, Principal Secretary cum Legal Advisor Law (Justice) Department, Nalin Kumar, Principal Secretary of Home, Prison and Disaster Management Department, Vandana Dadel, Justice Commissioner of Ranchi, Diwakar Pandey, Director General of Jharkhand Police, Anurag Gupta, and Inspector General of Prisons, Sudarshan Prasad Mandal, among other officials.