Over 600 convicts on parole absconding

Over 600 convicts out on parole in the state are absconding, forcing the state home department to tighten the screws on officials involved in granting parole.

Over 600 convicts out on parole in the state are absconding, forcing the state home department to tighten the screws on officials involved in granting parole.

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Convicts can get 30-60 days’ parole in case of a family emergency. The home department, in a notification on October 4, 2012, laid down rules for police officials to follow while considering a convict for parole under the Prisons (Bombay Furlough and Parole) Rules, 1959.

Currently, parole is granted by the divisional commissioner after getting a character report from the police. This rule is still in effect. But it was observed that there were serious gaps in the reports produced by police officials, leading to parole violations. The notification now directs the divisional commissioner to conduct his own investigation and re-check parole proposals submitted by police officials.

‘The DIG (prisons) will be conducting workshops for those who are involved in the process of granting parole. In case the report of police officials is negative, considering previous instances when the prisoner was granted parole, then documents including FIR's should be attached,’ the notification says.

Medical reports should be attached when parole is requested for visiting ailing relatives. These will need to be checked by a medical practitioner.