Lifers request prez for mercy killing

Friday, June 06, 2008
Lifers request prez for mercy killing

Allahabad: Jailed for around 14 years, 97 lifers lodged at the Naini central jail here have, in an unprecedented move, written to the President of India seeking mercy killing.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by IANS Friday from jail sources, was signed by all 97 lifers and was sent by registered post last Thursday.

In the emotionally charged letter, the prisoners stated that all of them had served more than 14 years in prison and displayed good conduct. They said their families had lost all hope of their return home.

"Instead of waiting for death in jail, we would prefer to embrace death earlier so that our family members, who are waiting for us, could start a new life," said the prisoners.

"This way our families would be able to live in peace instead of running from pillar to post to secure our release," they said.

The jail inmates wondered about "the purpose of remaining alive when we cannot do anything for society and our families."

"Are we not a burden on the government? Why is the government wasting money on us when we are of no use?" they asked.

The jail inmates Vinod Tiwari, Vansh Gopal, Ram Chandra, Bhagirathi Singh, Udit, Islam and 91 others have also sent the copy of the letter to the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister, the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Governor of UP and UP Chief Minister Mayawati.

When IANS contacted him, Jails DIG Rajendra Prashad feigned ignorance about the letter.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service