SOURCE: AFI
Santhan, one of the seven individuals convicted in connection with the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, breathed his last at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. His demise marks the end of a tumultuous journey that began with his involvement in one of the most significant political tragedies in Indian history.
Santhan’s health had been ailing, and he was admitted to the hospital in January due to liver failure, diagnosed with cryptogenic cirrhosis. Despite the medical interventions and efforts to revive him following a cardiac arrest, Santhan succumbed to his condition at 7:50 am, leaving behind a legacy marked by controversy and legal battles.
Originally a Sri Lankan national, Santhan had been incarcerated for over two decades before his release in 2022. His release came after serving a lengthy prison sentence for his involvement in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, an event that shook the foundations of Indian politics and reverberated across the globe.
However, fate had other plans, as Santhan’s health deteriorated, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his aspirations for a peaceful life post-release. His passing underscores the harsh realities faced by individuals entangled in the complexities of the criminal justice system, where the consequences extend far beyond the confines of prison walls.