35 prisoners yet to return after Covid parole; one died

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the time allowed by the Supreme Court, 35 prisoners are yet to return to the jails in the state. The highest number of prisoners to be returned is in Kannur Central Jail - 13. The explanation is that two of them are ill and one is out due to a court verdict. There are two prisoners to return in Cheemeni open jail, seven in Nettukaltheri open jail, 11 in Viyyur Central jail and two in Thiruvananthapuram Central jail. It is learned that Girish (44), who was lodged in the Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail, a native of Pathanamthitta, committed suicide.

809 prisoners were granted parole as per the Supreme Court order due to the Covid situation. As the threat of pandemic receded, about half of those who were given notice to return returned. Meanwhile, the accused in the TP Chandrasekharan murder case, who was released on parole, again approached the Supreme Court seeking relief. But the petition was dismissed by court. As a result, they also returned to the jails.