Nalini, husband give up fast after talks

According to prison authorities, DIG Jayabharathy spoke separately with Murugan, who is lodged in the central prison for men, and later with Nalini in the women prison.

They have been on a hunger strike for 8 and 6 days respectively, seeking the release of all the 7 convicts in the case. As a precondition to giving up the fast, Murugan reportedly wanted prison authorities not to break open the lock of the small temple he maintains inside the prison under the guise of a search, whereas Nalini wanted a parole provision.

Meanwhile, the scheduled meeting of Murugan and Nalini on Saturday was cancelled due to their unauthorised strike, which led to the cancellation of several perks like meeting visitors and permission to use the phone. The couple are permitted to meet each other once every fortnight.

It may be recalled that Nalini’s octogenarian mother Padma was not allowed to meet her on Friday after authorities revoked her perks.

The State cabinet last year recommended the release of the convicts to Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is yet to take a decision on this.