Mamata announces release of 17 lifers

With this, the Mamata-led government, since it came to power in May 2011, has released 140 prisoners in three phases comprising 57 political prisoners and 83 prisoners convicted to life-term, Banerjee said.

The exercise began with the release of 57 political prisoners in the first lot on the recommendation of the committee.

It was followed by the release of 66 prisoners, who were convicted to life-term, in the second lot.