Andhra Pradesh govt. to release 55 life convicts next week

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government, on 6 November, announced that 55 life convicts will be released from various prisons across the state next week.

According to a government order (GO Ms No. 131), of the 147 female life convicts in state prisons, 55 who have completed five years are eligible for release. They will be scrutinised and then released by next week.

Most of those who are set to be released have a formal education. One holds a BA degree, six have appeared for BA final-year examinations, and one has appeared for BA first-year examination through distance education. Apart from this, some of them have learned trades like tailoring, embroidery, and baking.

State Home minister Mekatoti Sucharita said this was a historic decision taken by the Chief Minister. "The government will support these women after they have been released. A total of 55 prisoners will be released next week. Of these 21 women prisoners are set to be released from the special prison for women in Rajamahendravaram, 27 from special prison for women in Kadapa, two from the Vishakhapatnam Central prison, and five women from the Nellore Central prison."

The state Cabinet approved the release of these prisoners based on the recommendation of a high-level committee headed by the secretary of Home department. The committee also comprises secretaries of government departments (legal and legislative affairs and justice, law department), the police officer nominated by the DGP, the AP CID chief legal advisor, the district judge, the Intelligence ADG, and the director-general of the department of prisons.