KALABURAGI: After 12 years behind bars, 68-year-old Durgappa finally walked out of Kalaburagi Central Jail last Thursday. But his freedom came at a cost—Rs 1.1 lakh.
Originally set for release in November 2024 due to good behavior, Durgappa remained imprisoned for an additional three months because he was unable to pay a court-imposed fine. With no family support or financial resources outside, his release seemed uncertain—until he used his prison earnings to pay the amount.
Prison Wages Secure Freedom
A farm laborer from Karnataka’s Raichur district, Durgappa was convicted in 2013 for murdering his wife in 2012. The sessions court sentenced him to life imprisonment and imposed a Rs 1.1 lakh fine, with an additional 18-month sentence for non-payment.
Had it not been for a remission granted for good conduct, his prison term could have lasted until 2027. The only remaining obstacle was the unpaid fine.
However, unknown to him, his years working as a prison cook had accumulated a substantial amount. Initially earning just Rs 100-150 per day, Durgappa benefited from a government wage hike to Rs 524 per day, leading to a total savings of Rs 2.8 lakh in his prison account.
Jail Authorities Facilitate His Release
Upon discovering his savings, Kalaburagi Jail Chief Superintendent R Anitha helped facilitate his release. She accompanied him to a bank, where he withdrew the required amount. Durgappa then appeared before the Raichur Sessions Court on Thursday, paid the fine, and was immediately granted release.
