Chennai: Demanding release of the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, a protest march was taken out in Egmore on Saturday afternoon. Film directors Vetrimaran, Amir, Ram, Vikraman, Gowthaman and actors Ramesh Khanna and Sathyaraj also participated.Earlier, a road rally planned from Vellore central prison to the Secretariat in Chennai was called off after police refused permission. The Tamil film fraternity showed its support as well with Nadigar Sangam president Nasser turning up with vice-president Ponvannan.More than 1,000 people belonging to various political outfits and groups like Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Puratchigara Ilaignar Munnani, Kongu Ilaingar Peravai, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam and Tamilaga Ilaignar Eluchi Iyakkam took part. The procession, from Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore to a road junction near Albert theatre, was headed by Arputhammal, mother of Perarivalan, one of the convicts.Conducted on the 25th anniversary of the convicts' prison term, the protest comes three days before chief minister J Jayalalithaa is due to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.Pattali Makkal Katchi youth wing president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss and Naam Tamilar chief coordinator Seeman turned up to support Arputhammal who later submitted a petition to the chief minister.

Source: Times of India June 11, 2016 13:15 UTC