91 Life Convicts Released from Cherlapally Prison
The Telangana Prisons department identified and submitted the list of life convict prisoners eligible for remission as on February 1, 2026 to the government for necessary action as per the guidelines and directions of the Supreme Court
Hyderabad: Life convicts released under a special remission scheme of the state government regretted their actions and vowed to lead a life free of crime, as they walked into the arms of loved ones here on Tuesday. The prisons and correctional services facilitated the release of 91 life convict prisoners, including six women, who were found eligible for remission.
Out of the prisoners released on State Formation Day, 38 were provided employment opportunities in fuel retail outlets operated by the prisons department, Dr Soumya Mishra, Director-General, prisons and correctional services, said.
Further, 53 released prisoners expressed their willingness to pursue self-employment, agriculture, family businesses and other independent occupations. Four women prisoners were provided sewing machines under the self-employment assistance scheme supported by the Prison Development Fund.
Dr Mishra stated that the occasion marked not merely the release of prisoners but the beginning of a new phase of life founded on responsibility, dignity, and hope. She said that the correctional system believed in the transformative potential of every individual and that the objective of imprisonment is not only to enforce lawful punishment but also to facilitate reformation and positive change.
There were several touching scenes the freed convicts met with their family members. A six year-old, waiting to meet her uncle, said, “He wants me to study and become a police officer.” Her uncle spent 14 years in jail, during which time she lost her father. The released lifer said: “I have my own plot of land. I will cultivate the land and work hard. My only aim is to make my niece an IPS officer.”
Maisaiah, of Warangal, released after 15 years, said: “I realised that one hasty decision can ruin not only our life but also that of our families and victims. The loss can never be recovered. My message for the new generation is to not get involved in crime. Take police’s help rather than taking the law into your hands.” He intends to help send his grandson abroad for studies.
