Nagpur, July 31: A Mumbai High Court bench here has directed four top police officials in Vidarbha region to be present personally on August 11 to explain steps initiated by them to nab as many as 160 prisoners absconding after their release from prisons on parole or furlough. A division bench comprising Justice R K Batta and Justice P S Bramh yesterday took serious cognizance of the fact that 160 inmates of different prisons in Nagpur and Amravati, who were released by authorities on parole or furlough, have not returned to their respective police stations after the expiry of their period.


Following an affidavit filed by the deputy inspector general of prisons here before the high court, the bench issued summons to the Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of Police (Nagpur), commissioner of police (Amravati) and special inspector generals of Nagpur and Amravati ranges and directed them to file personal affidavits and remain present before the court.

According to the DIG Prison's affidavit, in all there are 24 prisoners on parole and 136 on furlough, a majority of them hardcore criminals, facing convictions for serious offences like rape, murder and drug peddling.

Jail authorities have repeatedly pointed out to concerned police stations and even the commissioners, it claimed.

Expressing grave concern that 160 prisoners have never reported back and simply vanished into thin air, the bench said no adjournment will be granted on any count.

According to Maharashtra prisons manual 1900 (amended in 1962 and 1979), all convicts whose appeal are pending before the high courts and whose bail application have been rejected, are entitled for parole or furlough.
Bureau Report