PUCL urges calling off hanging of four accused in Veerappan case

16 February, 2013

The Andhra Pradesh unit of Poples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has said that Mr. Simon, Mr. Gnanaprakash, Mr. Madhaiah, and Mr. Bilavendra, the four Tamils, have been wrongly implicated in the Veerappan Case. The four are about to be executed if no action is taken.

PUCL has sent letters to Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and also officials of National Human Rights Commission and the Union Home Ministry - urging them to called off the hangings.

PUCL observed that the transgression of thr right to live is the highest human rights violation. The civil rights organization maintains that the men in question are innocent and never saw or met Veerappan in their life. The four men in question, after the charges were filed, were detained in the Belgaum Central Jail. The Supreme Court gave its final verdict on January 29, 2004 and their mercy petition was rejected by the President of India February 11, 2013.

It has recommended that prior to the death sentence, enough time should be allowed to the accused so that civil society can intervene before the Supreme Court. PUCL has urged authorities that their demand follows respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as ascribed by international human rights standards and international instruments, which have been ratified by India.