'My Son Crossed All Obstacles': Mother of Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Convict

The Supreme Court, invoking powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, ordered the release of Perarivalan.

Soon after the Supreme Court on Wednesday, 18 May, ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, one of the life convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, his mother expressed her joy at the court's decision and thanked political leaders for helping her.

Speaking to reporters, Arputhammal, Perarivalan's mother, said:

"We are very happy with this decision. We thank everyone who has helped us till now... All of you must be aware of our struggle for freedom for the past 31 years. We have always been transparent about it. Perarivalan's struggle needs no introduction. Thank you for your relentless efforts. The pain he went through in jail for the past 31 years is a lot and I am sure people understand that. My son has finally crossed all the obstacles."

"I thank the government for granting bail for him because only then could I take care of his health. I thank Chief Minister MK Stalin. I thank all political leaders and all those people whom I don't know who lent voice to our struggle," she continued.

'Looked at My Mother for Inspiration for Past 31 Years': Perarivalan

Perarivalan, after his release was announced, told the media that every time he failed during the last 31 years in custody, he had looked to his mother for inspiration.

"Every time I failed in the past 31 years in my struggle for freedom, I looked at my mother for inspiration. I would often feel guilty that my fight robbed my mother of her youth, energy and life. I always felt bad about how my parents were struggling. I really wanted them to see us win when they were alive. I wanted them to see that truth will prevail.

"This was not possible because of our own efforts. My mother worked extraordinarily for this and we also received a lot of support. And most importantly, we have truth by our side. This Tamil soil will always help keep the truth alive. This is why political parties and the public stood by me," Perarivalan told Puthiya Thalaimurai after his release.

Perarivalan's Release

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, invoking powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, ordered the release of Perarivalan.

A bench led by Justice L Nageswara Rao, delivering the order in the case on Thursday, said, "State cabinet had taken its decision based on relevant considerations. In exercise of Article 142, it is appropriate to release the convict."

AG Perarivalan was accused of having bought two 9-volt 'Golden Power' battery cells for Sivarasan, the LTTE leader who masterminded the conspiracy. The cells were used in the bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi on 21 May that year.

Perarivalan was 19 when he was arrested on 11 June 1991.