Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Prison warder faces criminal proceedings

CHENNAI: The government has ordered criminal proceedings against Madurai central prison warder D. Devaraj, who shot dead Sri Lankan national Warnakulasooriya Canicius Fernando in Madurai on October 5 last year.

Based on the findings of a magisterial enquiry, the government has issued orders to the Prison department that the Revenue Divisional Officer and Executive Magistrate who enquired into the firing episode would frame criminal charges against Grade II warder, who is presently under suspension, prison department sources told The Hindu on Monday.

Fernando of Negombo (Sri Lanka) had come to the Madurai central prison to meet four of his fishermen friends lodged there. Besides a reference letter confirming his visit issued by the Sri Lankan High Commission in India, he had obtained permission to interview the fishermen from the jail authorities.

When he was proceeding towards the prison main gate, the sentry, Devaraj, opened fire with his service rifle killing him on the spot. The incident occurred in the sterile zone.

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