THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit' celebrations(marking the 75th anniversary of Indian independence), 18 inmates from four central jails will walk out free. According to the rules issued by the Union Home Ministry, the Jail Superintendent had submitted a report to the government mentioning that 82 prisoners are eligible for release.

From the eligible 82 prisoners, the government has selected 18 and has forwarded the list to Governor for approval. Without any procedural hassles, the governor approved the list which made additional chief secretary Bishwanath Sinha issue the release order.

As part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit' festival, 33 people, including Manichan, who was convicted in the infamous Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy, were released earlier. According to the central government's directive, the third phase release of prisoners will happen on August 15th.

A sub-committee of the Additional Law Secretary, Joint Secretary, and jail DIG examined the impending cases, court orders, and remaining sentence against 82 persons recommended for commutation by the Jail Chief. After a careful study of the cases, 38 inmates were opted by the sub-committee for release. It was from this list that the final 18 prisoners were selected.

The list also included people who have served more than 20 years in prisons. Their release will be purely on humanitarian grounds. Prisoners charged with treason, dowry, rape, human trafficking, molestation of women and children, counterfeiting, drugs, and foreign exchange are exempted from the list.

In the case of those convicted of serious crimes, the Governor gave permission for the release only after hearing the opinion of the victims' families.