Poojappura Central Prison (File picture) | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thrissur: The number of prisoners in Kerala has been falling since 2019. There are only 6195 inmates in jails that can accommodate up to 7200 prisoners. This is not a change brought forth by the Covid pandemic. The fall in the number of female prisoners started in 2016.
This is the first time the number of prisoners has dropped so drastically below the total capacity of prisons in the state. The decrease in crime during Covid and granting of bails in most cases have also affected the number. The ones who have only a few days left to finish their jail terms are sent back with the recommendation of the Advisory Board. However, it is learnt that the number of POCSO cases have seen a rise in the state.
Records of prisoners
| Year | Total prisoners | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7983 | 213 |
| 2017 | 7613 | 200 |
| 2018 | 7882 | 196 |
| 2019 | 7967 | 181 |
| 2020 | 7663 | 193 |
| 2021 | 6195 | 148 |
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