Santhan, a convict released in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, passed away Wednesday morning at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. He had been admitted due to health complications and was pronounced dead at 7:50 am.
After his release, Santhan was housed in a special camp within the Trichy Central Jail Complex. Last week, the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) of the Union Ministry of External Affairs issued an emergency travel document, facilitating his prompt repatriation to Sri Lanka.
Santhan, formerly detained at a special camp within the Tiruchy central prison, was slated to be escorted by officials to the international airport for deportation. In response to his plea, the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission had previously issued a temporary travel document, subsequently followed by the FRRO granting an exit permit for his departure.