Convict wins cancer battle, six diplomas, 1 degree and freedom

CHENNAI: After fighting a life-threatening throat cancer during his two-decade incarceration, V Chandrakasan, a life convict in his late fifties, stepped out of the Puzhal central prison as a redeemed man.

"I turned my surroundings inside the prison into a paradise and spent my stay here fruitfully," said Chandrakasan, who completed six diploma courses in catering, hotel management and a degree while serving his sentence.

Chandrakasan, who was imprisoned in 1989 in a murder case, thanked the prison authorities for giving adequate medical care to fight cancer and an opportunity to overcome social stigma.

He was among the 67 life convicts who were released from the Puzhal central prison - II following the state government's order to release them to mark the birth centenary of former CM M Ramachandran.

In fact, officials of the correctional administration took the initiative to obtain Chandrakasan's premature release under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prison Manual on medical grounds after he was detected with cancer. "We submitted a report after seeking the collector's approval to secure premature release for him on medical grounds," a prison official said.

Release is rebirth, say many former prisoners; look to lead peaceful lives

The official said, “The RDO conducted an inquiry and sought a medical report which stated that he was recovering well, putting a full stop to his release five years ago.”

Emotions overflowed when the men emerged from the prison. Their family members could be seen running towards them and hugging them.

The families waited for hours to take a father, son, brother or husband home as a free man. “I received a call in the early hours today informing me about the release of my son. There is no greater happiness than this,” said a father waiting outside since 7am.

Calling the early release a ‘rebirth’, V Janakiraman, 50, of Saidapet said he suffered every minute of his 16-year imprisonment for one moment of stupidity. “We had a fight over a family dispute. I lost my sense for a moment and hit my wife Tamilselvi. She died. I suffered for all these years behind the walls, I am a changed man now. I want to lead a peaceful life with my daughter and grandchildren,” he said.

Many prisoners have come out as graduates and diploma holders. “I have the confidence to earn a living through hard work. I will be a model citizen. I wish the prison department helps us with employment,” said 36-yearold E Kulandai Yesu who had been serving life imprisonment after committing a murder when he was 19.

Yesu said he had made use of his 17-year imprisonment to obtain a postgraduate degree and diplomas. He had completed Class IX when he was arrested.

Manikandan, 38, was welcomed by his mother, his wife and their daughter.

“Only those who have gone through jail life will know the pain. It was really difficult. I am happy to be reunited with my daughter after so many years,” said Manikandan, who plans to be an autorickshaw driver.

After handing over the release orders to the convicts, additional director general of police (prisons) Ashutosh Shukla asked them not to resort to any criminal activities after release.

Shukla said the department is ready to give them employment with a monthly salary of ₹10,000 in petrol outlets being set up outside the central prisons in Palayamkottai, Madurai, Vellore, Trichy and Coimbatore.

Expressing hope that the released prisoners would live a peaceful life, he said that, of the 1,405 life convicts who were released 10 years ago, only one had returned to prison after being involved in a criminal case.