Good conduct earns freedom for 24 life convicts across Karnataka

“I married my girlfriend while I was out on parole. During that period, we had a child, who is now seven years old. The pain of being separated from my family transformed me into the person I am today. What I did in a moment of anger cost me 15 years of my life. Now it is time to start afresh and rebuild my family,” said Manikanta, a life convict in a murder case, who was released on Saturday after his sentence was remitted on the basis of good conduct.

Manikanta, a native of Chikkamagaluru, was among the 24 life convicts whose sentences were waived for good conduct and who were released from prisons across Karnataka.

A total of nine prisoners were released from Bengaluru Central Prison, four from Mysuru Central Prison, six from Belagavi Central Prison, two each from Kalaburagi and Dharwad Central Prisons, and one from Vijayapura Central Prison.

Emotional moment

As the clock inched past 5.30 p.m. and the paperwork came to an end, the heavy prison gates slowly opened. Freedom arrived not with fanfare but with embraces, tears, and hope of a better future. For the families waiting outside, it marked the end of years of uncertainty, patience, and countless prison visits. For the people walking out, it was the first step towards reclaiming lives they had long left behind.

Manikanta said he learnt baking in prison, earning ₹550 a day, and used the money to support his son’s early education. “Despite my conviction, my wife stood by me and waited for me. I now want to find work at a bakery and start a new life. Eventually, I hope to save enough money to start my own bakery,” he told The Hindu.

What every former inmate who spoke to The Hindu shared was a common aspiration: to work, earn respect, and rebuild their families.

Ashok Devappa, in his late 60s, said his passion for agriculture remained as strong as ever. “I was arrested after I killed a man who was trying to take away my agricultural land. Now I will return to my fields and cultivate jowar, groundnuts, and other crops,” he said. His son. who stood beside him smiling, said the family would finally be able to celebrate festivals together again.

Among those released was also a 74-year-old man whose past reflected the devastating consequences of unchecked suspicion and violence. Convicted of killing his wife on suspicion of infidelity, he later remarried while on parole. During a subsequent parole, he murdered his second wife and her daughter too.

A second chance

Now released after years in prison, he expressed deep remorse for his actions and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life meaningfully by earning an honest living. “This second chance is also an opportunity to prove to ourselves that we can become better people,” he said.

Manikanta said no one should have to endure the pain of being separated from their parents and family for 15 years while they are still alive. Harish Kagu, another inmate being released, said a single moment of anger can take away everything a person has built. “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 said that while it was his turn to walk free, many other reformed inmates were still waiting for their chance. “Hope their day comes soon,” said Manikanta.