Veerappan kin Mathaiyan's family seek his release

Salem: Family members of Mathaiyan, brother of slain forest brigand Veerappan, have made a fervent plea to the Tamil Nadu government for remission of his life sentence and release him from prison to enable him spend his last years with his wife and two daughters.

Mathaiyan has been languishing in prison for over the last 32 years on charges of murder, dacoity and other grave offences. He is serving a life term at Coimbatore Central Prison for 23 years on charges of murdering a forest ranger and had served nine more years on various other counts.

Speaking to DC, his family members said that they are desperate to live with Mathaiyan, 69, who had spent almost half his lifetime behind bars.

“My husband is now ailing with various health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. Only three years ago, an angio was performed on him. So the state government should take a considerate view and remit his life sentence to let him spend his last years with family,” said Mariammal, who is now 62.

After Mathaiyan was put behind bars, Mariammal gave her two daughters in marriage, while their only son Mani, an advocate, who passed away 17 years ago.

Mathaiyan had also moved the Supreme Court claiming that he was awarded life sentence in a case relating to murder, dacoity, rape and he has been in jail for more than 23 years. He said under the Tamil Nadu Prison Rules, he was entitled for remission of sentence.

The State government had also passed a G.O. in 1987 based on the recommendations of the All India Committee on Prison Reforms for grant of remission and premature release after completion of 20 years of imprisonment.

The Apex Court has also sought the response from state government and posted the matter for further hearing on October 3.

Law college students clash over Veerappan banner near hostel

Tension prevailed in Government Ambedkar law college hostel in Kilpauk on Sunday after two groups clashed over a flex banner of slain bandit Veerappan installed outside the hostel in Kilpauk.

The flex banner was erected by one group on Saturday night, to which the other group opposed. A verbal duel ensued and soon it escalated into a brawl with students assaulting each other.

At least four students,  Balakrishnan (20) of Tirunelveli, Tamilarasan (20), Govindarajan (21) and Thirumalai (20), suffered injuries. Balakrishnan is said to have suffered grievous injuries, police sources said. Kilpauk police led by assistant commissioner Harikumar rushed to the scene and notified the college management.

Seriously injured Balakrishnan was moved to the Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital where he is undergoing treatment. Police personnel pacified the warring students.

It is also learnt that the college management warned the students that the hostel would be shut down if students engage in further violence.