Rajiv Gandhi assassination convict AG Perarivalan released after 31 years in jail

He Said reporters 'I firmly believe there is no need for capital  punishment' as he was welcomed by jubilant family members, friends and  pro-Tamil outfits in Chennai

Perarivalan had initially been sentenced to death but that was later commuted to life in prison.

The Supreme Court ordered the release of AG Perarivalan today after considering his good conduct in prison, medical condition.

As he stepped out a free man, Perarivalan told reporters he first wants to 'breathe'.

"I have just come out. It has been 31 years of legal battle. I have to breathe a bit. Give me some time," he said.

The others undergoing life term in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case  are Murugan, Santhan, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Jayachandran and Nalini.