SC stays release of Rajiv Gandhi killers

In reply to Centre’s plea on releasing four other convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked Tamil Nadu government not to “rush” on the matter and not release the convicts.

Earlier the Court had stayed the release of AG Perarivalan alias Arivu, Sriharan alias Murugan and T Suthentiraraja alias Santhan.

The Supreme Court will hear the case on March 6.

After Supreme Court commuted the death sentence of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s killers to life in prison, the Tamil Nadu government decided to free all seven convicts.

Reacting to the move, Congress Vice President and Rajiv Gandhi’s son Rahul Gandhi said he was sad over this decision.

“I am sad the killers are being released,” Rahul said adding, “If some person kills the PM and is released then how will a common man get justice. It’s a point to ponder,” Rahul said.

The Union government appealed to Supreme Court against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision.

Rajiv Gandhi was killed in an election rally at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, on 21 May, 1991 when a woman suicide bomber of LTTE had greeted him with a sandalwood garland and detonated an RDX explosive-laden belt tucked below her dress. Along with him at least 14 others were killed in that blast.

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