Kerala govt likely to release 33 convicts, including Manichan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is set to release 33 convicts lodged in various prisons across the state, including Chandran alias Manichan, who was convicted for the infamous Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy of October 2000, once the governor gives clearance for the remission.
The hooch tragedy that happened at Kalluvathukkal in Kollam had taken 31 lives. Manichan, who was arrested immediately after the incident, has been lodged in prison since then, from where he faced the trial. He was sentenced with a life term by the court. In addition to the life term, he was also sentenced to 43 years more.
The file is now under the consideration of governor Arif Mohammed Khan. The state cabinet had approved the list of convicts for giving remission to coincide with the 75th year of celebration of Indian independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Manichan’s wife Usha Chandran had last week moved the Supreme Court seeking his release.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court that considered the petition by Manichan’s wife on Friday asked the government to submit all the files in this regard on May 19. The court posted the matter for May 19.