Three convicts released from Special Camp

Three Sri Lankan nationals convicted in the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case — Murugan, Robert Payas, and Jayakumar — who had been prematurely freed from prison and later detained at a special camp in Tiruchi, were released on April 2 at night.

According to sources, upon receiving final clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to send them back to Sri Lanka, the Revenue Department, which runs the Special Camp, released them.

They were taken in a police vehicle, under heavy security, to Chennai to fly back to Colombo. They were expected to board a Sri Lankan airline from Chennai airport at 10 a.m.

The Sri Lankan authorities are said to have provided Murugan, Robert Payas, and Jayakumar with all the travel documents.

The three were among four Sri Lankan nationals lodged in the Special Camp near the Tiruchi Central Prison since Nov. 12, 2022, after the Indian Supreme Court ordered their release.

Santhan alias Suthendiraraja, who was released a few weeks ago from the Special Camp, died at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai on February 21 due to kidney failure.