Maharashtra: 49 convicts say no to parole over Covid fear

PUNE: Factors like assured food, medical facilities, prospect of quick vaccination, prevailing Covid concerns outside and poor living conditions back home have prompted at least 49 convicts in state jails to refuse emergency parole despite being eligible for such relief, additional director-general of prisons Sunil Ramanand said.
“Many undertrial prisoners (UPs), too, are reluctant to apply for temporary bail, for which they are eligible, as part of the ongoing exercise to decongest prisons to check the spread of Covid-19 virus,” he added.
“All prisons are attached to Covid care facilities. If an inmate develops Covid symptoms, he is given medical aid and is shifted to the facility,” Ramanand said. “Besides, the inmates feel assured of medical facilities, quality food and maintenance of proper social distancing norms,” he added.
According to the Supreme Court directives issued last year, the UPs involved in offences attracting punishment of less than seven years and convicts serving less than seven years’ jail sentences are eligible for temporary bail and emergency parole, respectively.
Ramanand said, “Those who have refused to apply for parole have cited varied reasons ranging from poverty back home, lack of medical facilities, employment and food in their areas. At the same time, the vaccination drive is picking up and they want to get vaccinated in the prison only.”
“So far, 4,000 inmates have been vaccinated with the first dose across the state,” he added.
The ADG (prisons) said, “In a way, the reluctance of the convicts to opt for parole is an indication that the prison administration is managing the jails and the Covid situation in a fairly effective manner.”
A senior prison officer told TOI, “Some convicts say life outside jail is difficult due to Covid restrictions, apart from livelihood issues. From job to food, there are basic questions they will have to address if they step out of the prison. Many live in slum pockets and fear contracting Covid infection if they go back home.”