'Such dilution leads to impunity': IAS body to Bihar on release of former MP

"Such dilution leads to impunity, erosion of morale of public servants, undermine public order and makes a mockery of administration of justice," the Central IAS Association said in a statement shared on Twitter.

"The Central IAS Association expresses its deep dismay at the decision of the State Government of Bihar to release the convicts of the brutal killing of Late Shri G Krishnaiah, IAS, former District Magistrate of Gopalganj, by a change in classification rules of prisoners," the tweet read.

Anand Mohan Singh, a Rajput, is among the 27 convicts to be released ahead of next year's general election, with the state's ruling coalition and the opposition BJP eyeing the support of the community.

BJP's central minister, Giriraj Singh, has supported the state government's move, saying "poor Anand Mohan" became a "scapegoat" in the case and has "remained in jail for a long time".

In 1994, then Gopalganj District Magistrate, G Krishnaiah was killed by a mob allegedly provoked by Anand Mohan Singh.

He was dragged out of his car and beaten by a mob protesting over the murder of another gangster-politician belonging to Anand Mohan's party.

The strongman, whose son is an MLA from Lalu Yadav's RJD, was sentenced to death by a lower court in 2007.

However, the Patna High Court later commuted the sentence to life imprisonment, a decision that was backed by the Supreme Court. He has been in jail for 15 years.