STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: As the COVID-19 situation in the jails in the State continues to be grim, as many as 1,956 inmates have been released on PR bond and bail from May 12 to June 8. The prisoners have been released following the recommendation of the high-power committee constituted by the Gauhati High Court (GHC). The released inmates are facing trial for petty crimes not amounting to heinous acts. Notably, in petty offences, the maximum imprisonment can go up to 7 years, if convicted.
From Guwahati Central Jail, 307 inmates were released. Among other central jails, the following number of inmates were released — Tezpur Central Jail (61), Silchar Central Jail (72), Dibrugarh Central Jail (99), Jorhat Central Jail (62), and Nagaon Central Jail (59).
The breakdown of inmates released from district jails — Nalbari District Jail (96), Barpeta District Jail (78), Kokrajhar District Jail (88), Dhubri District Jail (106), Goalpara District Jail (64), Mangaldai District Jail (58), Hailakandi District Jail (34), Karimganj District Jail (33), North Lakhimpur District Jail (49), Sivasagar District Jail (50), Golaghat District Jail (66), Majuli District Jail (16), Abhayapuri District Jail (108), Diphu District Jail (74), Hamren District Jail (9), Biswanath Chariali District Jail (33) Dhemaji District Jail (25), Morigaon District Jail (74), Tinsukia District Jail (79), Sadiya District Jail (10), and Udalguri District Jail (44).
Additionally, while the Special Jail Nagaon released 92 inmates, Sub Jail Haflong released 10.
Meanwhile, each district has an Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) headed by a chairman who is the session judge. Further such committees after reviewing the list of inmates in their respective jails recommend the names to the high-power committee that gives the final recommendation for release.
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