Punjab may release 5800 'petty' criminals due to coronavirus. Punjab Jail Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that nearly 2800 to 3000 criminals who were arrested for 'petty' crimes like snatching should be released. “Jail authorities are taking precautionary measures for all inmates,” he added. Earlier, Kanpur jail prisoners refused to stay with new inmates due to coronavirus fear. So far, India has reported over 145 cases of coronavirus. The deadly virus has spread to over 140 countries.