Maha announces phase-wise early release of prisoners; 100 to

The Maharashtra government has announced early release 100 prisoners from various jails in the state to mark the 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi, an official said here Thursday.

A total of 100 prisoners would be released from various facilities, including from central prisons at Taloja (42), Yerawada (16) and Nashikroad (10), in the first out of three phases beginning October 5, he said.

The number of prisoners to be released in other two phases, including on April 6, 2019--the 89th anniversary of the Dandi march--would be known later.

"The initiative is part of various programmes organised by the state government to mark the 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi between October 2, 2018 to October 2, 2019," said the official.

Among the 100 prisoners are two male convicts who have completed 60 years of age and have completed half of their prescribed jail term, while rest 98 are those who have completed 2/3rd of their actual sentence and displayed good behaviour, according to the official.

He said the prisoners to be freed are liable for punishment, in case of their conviction in other cases.