Lankan convict in Gandhi assassination case passes awayNewsOne of the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case who was released in October, Sri Lankan nationalSuthenthiraraja alias Santhan has passed away in a hospital in Chennai, India. Santhan alias Suthenthiraraja, one of the seven life convicts granted premature release in the case, had requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to help him return to the country and live with his aged mother. The Tamil Nadu Cabinet passed a resolution in September 2018, recommending the release of the seven life convicts; but the Governor, instead of taking a decision, referred the matter to the Centre. Finally, the Supreme Court exercised extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution and ordered the release of the life convicts. Robert Payas and Jeyakumar, also Sri Lankan nationals who have been kept in the Tiruchi special camp, have decided not to return home, fearing a threat to their life.

Source: Sunday Times February 28, 2024 05:26 UTC