New Delhi: Manichan, who was convicted in the Kalluwathukkal hooch tragedy case, was released from jail. Manichan’s release comes after the Supreme Court order waived the fine. Manichan is coming out after 22 years.
Manichan’s wife has approached the Supreme Court seeking relief from the order that 30 lakh rupees should be deposited for his release. The government issued an order releasing 33 prisoners in the case, including Manichan, but the condition was that Manichan could be released only after paying a bond of 30 lakh rupees. But the release was possible when the court pointed out that Manichan should not be punished again just because he did not pay the fine.
Earlier, the victims of the tragedy had responded that they had no objection to Manichan being released from jail. Although Manichan indeed gave the drug that caused the hooch tragedy, it was Manichan’s mistake, and the victims responded.
Chandran Manichan is the main accused in the Kalluwathukkal hooch tragedy case in which 31 people died. On October 21, 2000, the Kalluwathukkal disaster rocked Kerala. Manichan kept the bogus liquor in the underground chambers of the house. The disaster was caused by a poisonous spirit mixed with vigor. The Cabinet decided to release Manichan who had completed 20 years of imprisonment, but the Governor did not decide on the government’s recommendation. Manichan first served his sentence in Poojappura Central Jail. Later he was shifted to Nettukaltheri open jail.
