Bangalore prisoners go on fast-unto-death to demand early release

Several prisoners serving sentence in various jails of Karnataka have resorted to indefinite fast demanding remission of sentence of those recommended by the state.

In Parappana Agrahara Bangalore Central Jail, 157 prisoners including 22 women, are on a fast since yesterday and seven of them had to be hospitalised after their condition deteriorated, a top official of the prison said.

A total of 593 names were recommended by the state government to be released on Independence Day for various reasons, including good conduct and ill health.

However, the proposal was turned down by governor HR Bhardwaj on the grounds that such a large number could not be released at one go and wanted some more clarifications on the cases.

A medical team comprising doctors had been kept ready in anticipation of any medical problems arising due to the fast.

Those participating in the hunger strike included those whose names had been recommended as well as those who supported the move.