Good behavior brings freedom to 24 lifers across Karnataka

Nine prisoners were released from Bengaluru Central Jail and were presented with release certificates by Home Minister Priyank Kharge and DGP Prisons and Correctional Services Alok Kumar at Bengaluru Central Jail on Saturday. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.

“I married my girlfriend when I was on parole. During that time we had a child who is now seven years old. The pain of being separated from my family made me the person I am today. What I did in a moment of anger cost me 15 years of my life. Now is the time to start over and rebuild my family,” said Manikanta, a life convict who was released again on Saturday for murder. behavior.

Manikanta, a native of Chikkamagaluru, was among 24 life convicts who were given reprieves for good behavior and released from prisons across Karnataka.

A total of nine prisoners were released from Bengaluru Central Jail, four from Mysuru Central Jail, six from Belagavi Central Jail, two each from Kalaburagi Central Jail and Dharwad Central Jail and one from Vijayapura Central Jail.

An emotional moment

As the clock slowly ticked past 5:30pm and the paperwork drew to a close, the prison’s heavy gates slowly opened. Freedom did not come with fanfare, but with hugs, tears and hope for a better future. For the families waiting outside, it marked the end of years of uncertainty, patience and countless prison visits. For the people who were leaving, it was the first step in reclaiming the lives they had long since left behind.

Manikanta said he learned to bake in prison, earning ₹550 a day and using the money to support his son’s early education. “Despite my belief, my wife stood by me and waited for me. I now want to find a job in a bakery and start a new life. I hope to eventually save enough money to start my own bakery,” he told The Hindu.

Every ex-convict who spoke to The Hindu shared a common desire: to work, gain respect and rebuild their families.

Ashok Devappa, who is in his 60s, said his passion for agriculture remained as strong as ever. “I was arrested after I killed a man who tried to take away my farmland. Now I will go back to my fields and grow jowar, groundnut and other crops,” he said. His son. who stood next to him and smiled, said that the family would finally be able to celebrate the holidays together again.

Among those released was also a 74-year-old man whose past reflected the devastating consequences of uncontrolled suspicion and violence. Convicted of killing his wife on suspicion of infidelity, he later remarried while on parole. During the subsequent parole, he also murdered his second wife and her daughter.

Second chance

Now released after years in prison, he has expressed deep remorse for his actions and said he wants to spend the rest of his life making a meaningful, honest living. “This second chance is also an opportunity to prove to ourselves that we can become better people,” he said.

Manikanta said no one should have to bear the pain of being separated from their parents and family for 15 years while they are still alive. Harish Kagu, another released prisoner, said that a single moment of anger can take away everything a person has built. “Family, wife, child and whole career. All these can be saved if one learns to control anger. That’s something I’ve learned now,” he said.

Many former inmates said that when it was his turn to go free, many other reformed inmates were still waiting for their chance. “I hope their day will come soon,” Manikanta said.

Published – 04 Jul 2026 23:25 IST