67 life convicts released from Puzhal central jail

The first set of 67 life convicts, lodged in Puzhal central prison here, who had completed 10 years of imprisonment were released today.

The Tamil Nadu government had on June 4 announced the premature release of these convicts to commemorate the birth centenary of late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran.

"We received the GOs yesterday in the evening. And we are implementing it in the morning," a prisons department official told PTI.

During the release, a police official announced that the prisoners, whose sentences have been commuted, had the option of getting employed in petrol stations in different districts - Vellore, Coimbatore, Pudukkottai and Palayamkottai and others.

"Initial salary will be Rs 10,000 per month and there will be annual increments. Each petrol bunk would employ 15 members and those interested can approach us. All arrangements have been made," the official said.

Law Minister C Ve Shanmugam had in the assembly said the release of prisoners, being proposed by the state government was a "continuing task."