VELLORE: After staging a fast unto death protest for 13 days, Murugan alias V Sriharan (47), one of the life convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has been convinced by jail authorities to withdraw his agitation on Wednesday.
After an hour-long persuasion by Vellore Prisons Deputy Inspector General of Police J Baskaran, Murugan drank coconut water and concluded his stir. Official sources told Express that Murugan was told that his parole request is being considered by the State government on a top priority basis and the decision is likely to come in his favour sooner or later. “But if he continued the fast, his chances of getting parole or a premature release might get affected,” added sources.
Within six days, his health condition had worsened and was subsequently shifted to the Prison hospital where he was administrated glucose. On the following days, repeated talks between Murugan and prison authorities failed and he continued to refuse food. On Tuesday, he was administrated oral rehydration solution at the hospital.
On Wednesday morning, as he continued his protest, prison officials decided to shift him to the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital. According to sources, Murugan was not treated at the hospital as he refused to remove his saffron attire and wear the clothes meant for patients.
Later in the evening, a team of officials held talks with Murugan, as a result of which he ended his fast.