156 Prisoners, Including 6 Women, Freed From 16 Jails On 79th Independence Day

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): On the occasion of Independence Day, 156 prisoners - including six women - lodged in 16 different jails were released, officials said here on Friday.

These prisoners were released under the provisions announced by the state government on May 27, 2025.

According to the decision, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has approved the release of eligible prisoners on five occasions each year - Republic Day, Ambedkar Jayanti, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (November 15).

As per jail manuals, only those prisoners who have maintained good conduct and completed the maximum portion of their sentence are released on these national occasions.

Prisoners convicted of offences such as rape, murder, crimes under the POCSO Act, and other women-related crimes are not eligible for release.

Those who are freed receive training in tailoring, construction, carpentry, and other trades according to their abilities so that they can earn a livelihood after leaving jail.

The maximum number of prisoners released was from Bhopal (25), followed by Rewa (19), Satna (17), Gwalior (16), Jabalpur (14), Sagar (14), Ujjain (14), Narmadapuram (11), Central Jail Indore (10), Narsinghpur (6), District Jail Indore (2), Tikamgarh (2), and one each from Pawai, Banda, and Dewas.

After being released, the convicts were welcomed by their family members with moist eyes.

Director General of Prisons Varun Kapoor urged the released prisoners to lead constructive lives, stay away from crime, take care of their families, and contribute positively to society.