Perarivalan, the Rajiv murder convict, released on bail

Chennai, Mar 15 (UNI) Six days after the Supreme Court granted him bail citing that he had spent more than 30 years in jail and his good conduct, A G Perarivalan, one of the seven life convicts in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, was released on Tuesday. Perarivalan, who is on parole at present for medical treatment, was brought to Puzhal Central prison from his house at Jolarpettai. After completing the prison formalities, he was formally released. His mother Arputhammal, who waged a prolonged legal battle, was present. As he boarded a vehicle to his house, Perarivalan alias Arivu thanked everyone for helping him in getting bail. In a statement here, Arputhammal said this is an important period in her struggle for justice. “The time for ‘freedom’ is yet to come and the bail is only an interim relief. With great love I request everyone to be aware of this. I believe that until my son and others have won their freedom, our struggle will continue to have your support,” she said. She also thanked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, the state government, Opposition leaders and political parties who have extended their support to her struggle. She also thanked various human rights organizations in Tamil Nadu and outside, film fraternity members and the public for their support to the cause. “Arivu and I are eagerly awaiting the day when he gets complete freedom and we can say thank you to all,” she said.