Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: A huge victory for Tamil Nadu, says CM Stalin as SC

Hours after the Supreme Court ordered his release, AG Perarivelan – convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case – said his victory was the result of his mother’s struggle over the past three decades.

Speaking to the media outside his home in Jolarpettai, Tamil Nadu, Perarivalan said that “honesty in the case” () had given him and his mother, Arputhammal, the strength to fight for so long.

“He has faced a lot of humiliation, humiliation and pain over the years. Nevertheless, he has fought for justice for 31 years. Honesty in (this) case has given us both the strength to fight this war. The verdict is a victory for his struggle, “said Perarivalan.

Asked what he would do next, Perarivalan said, “I just came out. The legal battle has been going on for 31 years. I need to breathe. Give me some time. “

“I firmly believe that there is no need for the death penalty. Not just out of pity অনেক many judges, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, have said so, and there are many examples. Everyone is human, “he said, with his mother Arputhammal and relatives beside him.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said the apex court’s decision to release Perarivelan was a huge victory for the state. Stalin said Perarivalan had lost more than 30 years in prison.

“She is OK. It is also a victory for the rights of the state, “said MK Stalin.

Talking about the determination of the mother of the released accused to see her son released, CM Stein said, “Arputhammal was a mother who went to great lengths to get her son released and I wish him well.”

The Chief Minister said that the verdict upheld not only human rights but also the rights of the state.

BJP state president K Annamalai said the party had “accepted” the Supreme Court’s verdict, giving Perarivalan SC relief under Section 142 on the basis of his extraordinary powers.

“We also believe that the Supreme Court will not allow us to compromise on unity, security and integrity,” he said in a tweet.

CPI general secretary D Raja said his party welcomed the verdict and pointed to Perarivalan’s long imprisonment. He called on the governor to act in accordance with the constitution and said that the decision had raised questions about the governor’s office.

Political leaders, including MDMK founder Vaiko and PMK leader S Ramadoss, welcomed his release.

AIADMK MP P Rabindranath also welcomed the SC verdict. The AIADMK cabinet headed by K Palaniswami had recommended to the then Governor Banwarilal Purohit in 2018 to release the seven convicts in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed by LTTE suicide bombers at an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu in 1991. .

Peravialan’s father, Quildasan, was overjoyed at the end of his son’s 30-year imprisonment.

When asked by reporters about future plans, including her marriage, the family will discuss such issues, Quildasan said.

Activists of pro-Tamil organizations took to the streets in several parts of the state, chanting slogans welcoming the SC verdict and condemning the governor’s inaction in the 2018 cabinet recommendation to release him and six others, in addition to the Centre’s alleged complacency.