VELLORE: Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Murugan alias V Sriharan’s fast demanding his release from the jail entered its 12th day on Tuesday. He was administered oral rehydration solution at the prison hospital after doctors found him physically weak.
Murugan began his fast unto death on August 18 after “losing hope that he would be released despite spending 26 years in prison”.
On Friday, Murugan’s health condition worsened and he was shifted to the prison hospital where he was administrated glucose. He would continue his fast in the subsequent days as repeated requests did not yield any result.
Prison authorities said Murugan’s condition deteriorated as he did not consume any solid food since he began fast. “The doctors said as of now he is out of danger. If he continues fasting, he would be shifted to government hospital for treatment,” said an officer.
Prison sources said Murugan suffered from mental depression as his repeated pleas for release from Vellore jail and parole petitions had not been considered by the State government.
Later, on March 25, two mobile phones, including an iPhone and two SIM cards were recovered from the cell of Murugan at Vellore Central Jail. The prison administration has also withdrawn his privilege to meet his family members from April to June.
Bagayam Police charged Murugan under section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his/her duty) of IPC read with 48 (1) of the Tamil Nadu Prisoners Act. Trial for the case is expected to begin soon at Vellore JM Court. If Murugan gets convicted, it would prevent his chances of getting released from jail in future, said sources.
A person convicted on IPC 353 may be punished with two years of imprisonment or penalty or both can be imposed. Besides, Nalini, wife of Murugan and another convict in the Rajiv Gandhi case, continued her fast on the second day.
Cong wing opposes Perarivalan parole
The Minority wing of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee led by J Aslam Basha has sought cancellation of the parole granted by the state government to the Rajiv Gandhi assassin, A G Perarivalan who has been undergoing life imprisonment at the Vellore prison.