Three Sri Lankan individuals, whose names have been etched into the tragic history of the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, have returned to their homeland after being released from prison. Murugan (53), Robert Payas (53), and Jayakumar (62) arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant chapter in their tumultuous lives.
These individuals, once convicted for their roles in one of India’s most shocking political assassinations, were among six prematurely freed in November 2022 by the Indian Supreme Court. Their release came with the acknowledgment of their “satisfactory behavior” during incarceration, coupled with recommendations from the Tamil Nadu government.
The journey home for Murugan, Robert Payas, and Jayakumar began with their departure from Chennai, India, around 11:30 IST. Escorted by a team of police officers, they left a special camp in Tiruchirappalli, where they had been detained, to embark on their journey to Sri Lanka. Facilitated by passports granted by the Sri Lankan authorities, this return marks a pivotal moment in their lives after years of incarceration.
Among the trio, Murugan holds a poignant connection to India. He is married to Nalini, an Indian citizen who was also among the six released in 2022 on the orders of the Supreme Court. Nalini’s story bears witness to the complex interplay of justice and mercy. Three decades ago, her life was spared due to the intervention of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi’s widow, who discovered Nalini’s pregnancy during her sentencing. Today, Nalini’s daughter is a doctor in the United Kingdom, embodying a tale of resilience amid adversity.
While Nalini accompanied her husband to the airport, another emotional saga unfolds as she strives to secure a visa for a long-awaited reunion with her daughter. Amidst these deeply personal narratives, the broader context of justice and reconciliation looms large.
Tragically, one of the six released individuals, Santhan, met his demise in a Chennai hospital. Battling a liver condition, his story underscores the fragility of life amidst the shadows of a tumultuous past. Like Nalini and her family, Santhan was a Sri Lankan national, further highlighting the transnational dimensions of this saga.
Perarivalan, the first of the convicts to be released in May 2022, adds another layer to this intricate narrative. As an Indian citizen, his release preceded that of his Sri Lankan counterparts, symbolizing a journey towards closure for those entangled in the aftermath of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination.
As Murugan, Robert Payas, and Jayakumar step onto familiar soil once again, their return prompts reflection on the nature of justice, mercy, and the enduring quest for redemption. Their stories, intertwined with personal tragedies and historical events, serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the pursuit of truth and reconciliation.
