STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: As the COVID-19 situation in the jails in the State continues to be grim, 893 inmates have been released on PR bond and bail since May 12, 2021. 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.
Currently from the Guwahati Central Jail, 144 inmates have been granted bail under the special circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
To date, 8,874 inmates, including 352 females, are currently lodged in various jails in the State.