Rajiv Gandhi case convict undergoes medical examination

Madurai, June 15: Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Ravichandran underwent medical tests at a government hospital here as per the orders of Madras High Court. Ravichandran, admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital yesterday, underwent various medical tests.

A tight security ring comprising 20 armed police personnel was posted at the hospital, officials said today. The High Court bench here had directed officials of the Madurai Central prison, where Ravichandran is lodged, to provide him treatment.

The direction was issued on a plea filed by his mother Rajeswari who claimed her son's health was deteriorating due to various complications and lack of treatment. Hospital officials said the medical reports would be submitted to the High Court for further orders.

Ravichandran told reporters at the hospital last night that he was mentally and physically exhausted after spending 25 years in prison and urged the Centre to release him.

He was awarded death sentence by the trial court in connection with the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi at Sriperumpudur by an LTTE suicide bomber in 1991 but the Supreme Court later commuted it to life imprisonment.

PTI