Bengaluru, July 5: A man convicted of murdering his two wives and infant daughter was released from Bengaluru's Central Prison on Saturday after serving 37 years in jail. Following his release, Saibanna Ningappa Natikar said the crimes he committed in anger cost him his family, career, property and nearly four decades of freedom.

Natikar, a resident of Karnataka's Kalaburagi district, was among 24 prisoners released from various prisons across the state under a Karnataka government initiative that grants remission to eligible convicts on the basis of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Addressing reporters after his release, Natikar expressed deep regret over his actions and warned others against acting in anger.

"No one should make the mistake I made. After going to jail, we lose a lot in life—our family, our job and our property. I lost my job, 10 acres of land and my entire family because of one mistake made in anger. I have spent 37 years in jail," he said.

Originally from Jevargi in Kalaburagi district, Natikar was employed with the Karnataka State Co-operative Marketing Federation before his arrest.

According to prison officials, Natikar was first convicted for the murder of his first wife after he allegedly suspected her of having an extramarital relationship. He was later granted bail. About a year later, family members persuaded him to remarry, assuring him that his new wife would remain with him.

However, Natikar later alleged that his second wife became involved with another man shortly after their marriage. He claimed that when he went to bring her back after she had been away for a week, he found her with the man and warned her and her family not to return to his village.

Officials said that while Natikar was serving his sentence, his second wife gave birth to a baby girl. After he was granted parole, he travelled to bring her home. He later alleged that he again found her with another man. In a fit of rage, he attacked her with a knife. His infant daughter was also fatally injured during the incident. Natikar then attempted to take his own life but survived after being admitted to the hospital. He was subsequently returned to prison, where he remained until his release this week.

The release was part of the Karnataka government's decision to free 24 eligible prisoners who had demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge visited Parappana Agrahara Central Prison to hand over the release orders to the convicts.

"Based on their good conduct, 24 people have been released. They are now returning to the mainstream of society. Those who committed crimes have been given an opportunity for reform," Kharge said.

The minister also said it was his first visit to the prison since assuming office. He reviewed the prison's infrastructure and technological facilities and discussed existing concerns with inmates.

"There has been discussion in the media about some lapses and shortcomings in the prison. I spoke to some inmates and took their suggestions. I have also given several suggestions to address the problems in the prison," he said.