Centre rejects TN proposal to free Rajiv Gandhi killers

New Delhi: The Centre has rejected the proposal of the Tamil Nadu Government to release seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. This is the second time in two years that the state had written to the Centre seeking its views on its decision to remit their sentence. The first letter was sent during the UPA government's tenure in February 2014. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has told the state that "Since the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court, it has no authority to release the prisoners." On March 2, two days before the model code of conduct came into effect in the state, which goes to the polls on May 16, Chief Secretary K. Gnanadesikan sent the letter to the MHA.