KSMC to rescue prisoners belonging to minority communities

KSMC to rescue prisoners belonging to minority communities

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 17, 2019: Karnataka State Minorities Commission (KSMC)Chairman G A Bawa clarified, while responding to reporters at Circuit house on  July 16, Tuesday, after being made chairman of the commission a month ago, he had visited the central jail in Bengaluru and found that 30% to 35% of under-trials were from minority communities.

 

Bawa said that, on realising the problem of such under-trials – many of whom were first-time offenders – he had initiated discussions with advocates on bailing them out. “I instructed prison officials to submit data on such under-trials,” he informed and added that officials were extending all cooperation. 

Karnataka State Minorities Commission (KSMC) has initiated discussions to help under-trials who languish in jail without money to furnish surety in spite of obtaining bail.  Bawa said, “We are not going to help big wigs and professionals involved in heinous crimes,”

The former police officer justified the intervention for poor under-trials and declared that such help is also part of a needed reformation for under-trials.

“These first-time offenders, while languishing in the jail, transform into bigger gangsters or terrorists,” he said and added that he would seek the help of NGOs to carry out similar intervention to under-trials from other communities.

Bawa, during his visit to the city, inspected hostels, residential schools and the arrangements made for the pilgrims travelling to Mecca.

He recollected how Christian priests at Philomena’s College in Puttur had supported his education and another benefactor from the Jain community had provided him a place to stay and pursue education.

“Thus, as chairman of Minorities Commission, I have got an opportunity to serve the minorities,” he declared.