The Hindu : Front Page : Madurai prison guard suspended

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 08, 2007
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Madurai prison guard suspended

S. Vijay Kumar

Sri Lankan jail inmates give up fast on assurance from officials

MADURAI: The security guard who killed the Sri Lankan national, Warnakulasooriya Canicius Fernando, in front of the Madurai Central Prison on Friday, was suspended on Sunday evening.

According to jail sources, Additional Director-General of Police (Prisons) R. Sekar ordered the suspension of D. Devaraj, pending enquiry.

A magisterial probe by a Revenue Divisional Officer is on into the circumstances that led to the firing. The body of Fernando that was kept in the Government Rajaji Hospital was handed over to his relatives in the presence of a senior official from the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission.

It would be taken to Tiruchi by road and flown to Colombo on Monday.

Warnakulasooriya Jude Normal Fernando, younger brother of Fernando, broke down on seeing the body at the mortuary.

“Besides seeking videography of the post-mortem by an independent agency, we have asked for certain statutory documents, including the First Information Report and inquest particulars. The Sri Lankan High Commission would take a decision on the further course of action,” Balaji, Counsel for the Deputy High Commission said.

Meanwhile, the four Sri Lankan prisoners lodged in the prison who went on fast gave up their agitation following an assurance from officials that justice would be done. Jail Superintendent P. Govindarajan said steps were being taken to prevent visitors from gaining access to the sterile zone.

A scanning machine to screen baggage would be installed at the entrance. Outer security guards were sensitised to the safety arrangements following the incident, he added.

The Alliance for Release of Innocent Fishermen has appealed to the Centre and the State Government to disburse a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to the family of Fernando. Its Tamil Nadu representative U. Arulanandam told The Hindu on Sunday that the Government should respond positively to the demand and ensure that the incident did not affect the Indo-Sri Lankan relationship.

“It is a matter of serious concern that an unarmed foreign national with valid travel documents was shot dead on the grounds of suspicion,” he said.

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