24 life convicts walk free in Karnataka for good conduct, a second chance at life

In a significant move, 24 life convicts across Karnataka had their sentences remitted for good conduct and were released from various prisons on Saturday. The remission, based on their behaviour behind bars, offers them a fresh start after years of incarceration.

The prisoners were released from Bengaluru Central Prison (nine), Mysuru Central Prison (four), Belagavi Central Prison (six), Kalaburagi Central Prison (two), Dharwad Central Prison (two), and Vijayapura Central Prison (one). Families waiting outside the prison gates embraced them, marking the end of long periods of separation and uncertainty.

Among those released was Manikanta, a murder convict from Chikkamagaluru, who had spent 15 years in prison. He married his girlfriend while on parole and now has a seven-year-old son. "The pain of being separated from my family transformed me. I learnt baking in prison, earning ₹550 a day, and used the money to support my son's early education. I now want to work at a bakery and eventually start my own," he said.

Ashok Devappa, in his late 60s, was convicted for killing a man who he said was trying to take his agricultural land. He expressed his desire to return to farming: "I will cultivate jowar, groundnuts, and other crops." His son, standing beside him, said the family would finally celebrate festivals together again.

A 74-year-old former convict, convicted of killing his wife on suspicion of infidelity, later remarried while on parole. During a subsequent parole, he killed his second wife and her daughter. Now released, he expressed deep remorse and said he wants to spend the rest of his life earning an honest living. "This second chance is also an opportunity to prove we can become better people," he said.

Harish Kagu, another inmate released, reflected on how anger can destroy everything. "A family, a wife, a child, and an entire career. All of that can be saved if a person learns to control anger. That is something I have learnt now," he said.

Many former inmates expressed hope for other reformed prisoners still waiting for their release. "Hope their day comes soon," said Manikanta.