Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomb at an election rally in May 1991. India has always blamed the attack on Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tiger rebels.

Sriharan was convicted for being part of the assassination squad.

She was one of four people initially given a death sentence, for being part of the plot to assassinate Rajiv Gandhi.

At least 14 other people – including the suicide bomber – were also killed in the attack.

Sriharan’s sentence was commuted to a life term, following a plea for clemency by Rajiv Gandhi’s widow and Congress Party president, Sonia Gandhi.

She has served more than 18 years in Vellore prison. She claims she is only required to serve 14 years in prison before being entitled to premature release under Indian laws.

Sriharan began her “indefinite” fast on Monday morning, demanding that an advisory board to decide on her release be set up as soon as possible.

In 2006, the Tamil Tiger rebels expressed “regret” for the murder of Rajiv Gandhi in a move which correspondents say was a realisation by the rebels that the assassination was a huge mistake.

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