'Put on hold 7 convicts' release till plea in SC disposed of'

Families of some of those killed along with Rajiv Gandhi Wednesday urged Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit Wednesday to put on hold sanction for release of seven convicts till disposal of their plea in the Supreme Court against the state cabinet's recommendation.

The May 21 1991 attack killed the former prime minister and 15 people, including LTTE suicide bomber Dhanu, at nearby Sriperumbudur.

Families of four victims and two survivors called on Purohit at the Raj Bhavan, where he met them individually.

"We requested the Governor not to take any decision on the release of convicts till our petition in the Supreme Court in this connection is disposed of," S Abbas said.

Son of Mahila Congress functionary S Samdhani Begum, who was among those killed, Abbas said the Governor "assured" the delegation that he would act in deference to their request.

Abbas said his childhood had been a painful one as he lost his mother when he was barely eight years old and life became a battle for him since his father predeceased her.

"I had to drop out of school when I was in class 10.I am running a shop for my survival...making ends meet is a challenge."
"Can we get back our dear ones who died on May 21, 1991? We sincerely feel that terrorism should not be condoned."