After spending nearly half her life behind bars for her role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Nalini Sriharan launched a hunger strike on Monday demanding her release from the Vellore Central Prison.

According to her counsel, senior advocate S Duraisamy, Nalini took the step as the state government had ignored her plea for premature release after spending 18 years and three months in jail. It had also not constituted the State Prison Advisory Board despite a Madras High Court directive. The board considers pleas by prisoners for premature release.

The advocate said that Nalini’s mother would send telegrams to the state Home Secretary to inform the higher officials that she would not survive a day if she continues the hunger protest.

“The state government, though releasing many who have spent 10 years in prison while observing the birth anniversary of former chief minister C N Annadurai, has not shown similar humanitarian consideration to those convicted for Rajiv assassination, including Nalini,” said Duraisamy. He also urged that the State Prison Advisory Board be constituted.

In her new petition, Nalini has said that she did not expect to live long due to her health. “I would like to settle in my life peacefully if I am released prematurely. I state that I am already 43 years old, and have spent more than 18 years in prison. Due to my prevailing health condition after (time) in jail, I cannot expect to live long,” she says in her plea.

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