Accused in Dharmapuri bus burning incident released by law: TN Governor

After the release of three accused in Dharmapuri bus burning incident, Tamil Nadu government received major criticism from people across the state. Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Tuesday explained that they were released according to section 161 of IPC and that they served 13 years imprisonment.

A Nedunchezhian, G Ravindran and C Muniappan were released from the Central Prison on Monday, a top official said. The trio literally scooted after they were released from the jail.

The State government released the accused in commemoration of the birth centenary celebrations of former CM MG Ramachandran.

The release contemplated was for those who had served up to 10 years of imprisonment on “humanitarian grounds within the framework of law and prison rules”, the official said.

Guidelines were subsequently framed by the government for considering the cases of life convicts for their premature release under Article 161 of the Constitution.

Separate government orders were issued for prematurely releasing the trio. The orders said each of them had completed 10 years of actual imprisonment as on February 25, 2018.

The government has accepted the prison department’s proposal for their release, the orders said.

The Inspector General of Prisons’ proposal for their release was based on the recommendation of two committees set up for the premature release of life convicts, it said.

Soon after former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was convicted in the Pleasant Stay Hotel case on February 2, 2000, for allegedly flouting norms to favour a hotel at Kodaikanal, AIADMK workers held protests and a mob torched a varsity bus the same day in Dharmapuri.

Three students, Kokilavani, Gayathri and Hemalatha died in the blaze amid commotion while 44 other students and two college lecturers managed to escape.