Concerns rise over parole system abuse; Calls for action to prevent recurring crimes

Individuals refrain from crime because of the fear of punishment. If there is a feeling that no matter what crime is committed, there is someone to save and no one will come to punish, the result will be anarchy. Imprisonment and the dishonorable stamp it leaves on a person's name is something that any decent person fears. But the spread of the idea that it is enough to commit a crime and go to jail and then go on parole will only lead to an increase in crimes. Therefore, the police should show vigilance and speed to catch the accused who are absconding after committing the crime and also to catch those who are on parole.

The Prison Department's report that 67 convicts sentenced to life imprisonment have been paroled is tantamount to making the sentencing courts look up. All the 67 accused who drowned were convicted of murder and were in jail. This is the figure from 1990 to 2022. Those who drown like this become a threat to society in many ways. It should be read in conjunction with the news that a young woman was killed in Kozhikode the other day and that the suspect was a former rape accused. Experience shows that even if such people hide in society, walking freely will lead to the repetition of heinous crimes like rape and murder. Parole is granted to those who complete two years of imprisonment.

Parole is 60 days a year. Parole is granted for 15 days. It can be extended up to 30 days. Parole is granted twice or four times a year. Parole is granted on personal surety and two sureties equal to ten thousand rupees. One of the main reasons for the recurrence of this drowning is that if the sureties do not return, the bailiffs give a bond of Rs 5,000 each. Stakeholders should consider imposing a penalty equivalent to jail time in case of defaulting on parole. It cannot be said that the police will not go in search of the accused who escaped from jail. When the police team arrived in Idukki to arrest such a suspect, the police had to go back after the accused poured petrol on his body and threatened to commit suicide with a lighter.

There are also those accused of political murders who are drowning in parole. They also get the support of politicians. The majority of the accused sink in the first phase of the sentence. Most of the accused have drowned within three years. A detailed study should be done on ways including punitive measures to prevent this. Appointing a commission for this purpose can also be considered. If the length of the parole period given now is to be increased, the government should also take it into consideration.