Abdul Ozir, a convict in the 1998 serial bomb blast cases lodged in the central jail here, died of a heart attack in the government hospital.

Ozir, 45, was arrested immediately after the bomb blasts, which occurred during the visit of BJP leader LK Advani, and he was convicted and sentenced to undergo three life sentences under various sections, including attempt to murder and planting bombs.

Ozir complained of severe chest pain this morning and was taken to the ICU, where he died, said police.
A large number of relatives and friends gathered at the hospital. His brother, Mohammed Bilal blamed the negligence of jail authorities for the death.

City police commissioner A Amalraj asked relatives and the different party members gathered there to maintain peace, while taking away the deceased.

Ozir’s body was taken to his house in Karumbukadai in an ambulance, followed by a posse of police. The burial is tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) president MH Jawahirullah, who visited the hospital, demanded a judicial inquiry into Ozir’s death. Talking to reporters, he said that nearly 60 prisoners die every year in Tamil Nadu without getting proper treatment for their ailments.

He said that the government should release prisoners who are over 65 and also those who have completed 10 years imprisonment and suffering ailments.

Meanwhile, outfit members have also made representations to Commissioner of Police and District Collector seeking probe in the death.