Rajiv Gandhi killing: High drama continues in Tamil Nadu

Vellore, Aug 31: The assassins of Rajiv Gandhi urged their supporters "not to resort to extreme steps" after a youth tried to self-immolate in Senkodi, Kancheepuram.

The three convicts were to be hanged on Sep 9 earlier after President Pratibha Patil rejected their mercy plea.

“They (the trio) have requested their sympathisers not to take any extreme steps. They also want their supporters who are staging fast-unto-death to withdraw the hunger strike as they want them to be hale and healthy to continue the stir in a more democratic way without hurting themselves," said Padma, mother-in-law of convict Murugan, carrying the message of the accused.

On being asked about Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's statement in the state Assembly, she said, “We will approach the CM repeatedly to commute the death sentence of the three. We will not give up until we save them from the gallows."

“My daughter Nalini, who is undergoing imprisonment in Puzhal jail in connection with the same case, was distressed and emotionally down when I saw her on Thursday. She has not met her husband since she was shifted to Puzhal prison from here in June 2010. Earlier, Murugan and Nalini used to meet once every fortnight. She wanted to meet her husband and has also petitioned the prison officials," said Padma.

“I am very confident that myself, my daughter Nalini, son-in-law Murugan and granddaughter Harithra (alias) Meghara, who is presently staying with her relatives in London and studying medicine, will live as one family one day," she added.

Meanwhile, an auto-driver, Selvan attempted self-immolation in a bid to show his support to the convicts.

Three activists of Puthiya Tamilazhagam also threatened self immolation in Trichy. Tamil Tigers, an outfit also threatened the same. At least 400 people were arrested across the city for staging protests in support of the assassins.

OneIndia News