MADURAI: Two of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, B Robert Payas and S Jeyakumar, who have been lodged in the Trichy special camp after their release by Supreme Court, have moved Madras high court seeking their release from the camp to enable them to live with their family. While Payas sought a direction to leave for The Netherlands, Jeyakumar wanted to live with his family in Chennai.
The petitioners said the prevailing condition of the camp was worse than prison. They are not allowed to move out of their room or mingle with inmates. Four of them who were convicted in the case and released could not even go out for a walk. “If the situation continues, we might become mentally ill due to stress,” they said.
They cited the Trichy district collector’s media interviews in 2022, saying that communication regarding their deportation would be sent to the Sri Lankan government and the deportation order was likely to come in 10 days. However, they said nothing has come about though several months have passed since the interview, which meant that Sri Lanka has not welcomed them. They said they did not want to return to Sri Lanka as it would be like sentencing them to death.
Robert Payas said he had, personally as well as through his lawyer, been sending representations to organisations seeking their assistance to move to The Netherlands where his family is staying. However, having been detained in the camp, he is unable to appear before the authorities for the process. Jeyakumar said doctors have recommended surgery for his failing eyesight.
Though he is taken to Chennai and Madurai for proper treatment, he is unable to take continuous treatment and medication due to detention in the camp.
Justice G R Swaminathan adjourned the hearing on Jeyakumar’s petition to November 21. He suo motu impleaded the Centre in the petition filed by Robert Payas and adjourned the hearing to November 27.