‘Savukku Shankar in critical state’: Rights Forum writes to Stalin

CHENNAI: Claiming that the popular YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar’s health was deteriorating after he started a fast in protest against canceling his visitation right for a month in Cuddalore prison where he is currently serving six months’ imprisonment in a contempt of court case.

In a letter to Chief Minister MK Stalin dated October 2, Shankar’s counsel and director of the forum P Pugalenthi said his health was in ‘critical condition’ because of the hunger strike that he started on September 30.

“On Gandhi Jayanthi, you will be aware that it is a better deed to restore the fundamental rights of a person protesting in a non-violent manner,” he said in the letter.

The YouTuber started the hunger strike after prison authorities revoked his visitation rights for a month after he tore up a notice from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), dismissing him from service.

According to the lawyer, the ban on Shankar’s visitation rights went against natural justice. Due to the ban, Shankar’s friends, relatives and legal experts have not been able to meet him and nor has it been possible to discuss the appeal in the Supreme Court against his sentence.

Shankar has also demanded his transfer to Puzhal central jail near Chennai, stating that he feared for his life in Cuddalore prison.