M Rukumani Devi, the wife of an alleged mobster, has brought her hunger strike to the doorsteps of the Internal Security Ministry in Putrajaya.

She is hoping to draw the attention of Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar, as only he can free her husband, Balakrishnan Appala Naidu, who is placed under a restricted residence order under the Emergency Ordinance.

The 35-year-old housewife said she would not cease her hunger strike until her husband is released unconditionally. While she anticipates that the police would remove her from the ministry's premises, she remains unperturbed.

Visited by malaysiakini today, Rukumani was seen lying on the floor with copies of various documents, including appeal letters to the prime minister and previous court orders for Balakrishnan's release.

Veins collapsed

This is her14th day on hunger strike. Her lips appeared dried and cracking (left). When approached, she was unable to answer questions.

Her sister-in-law, A Nageswari explained that doctors failed to find a suitable site on her body to administer an intravenous drip, as her veins had collapsed due to severe dehydration.

"She is trying to secure her husband's freedom. She fears that once her husband's two-year restricted residence order expires, he would be banished to another area," added Nageswari.

Rukumani started her hunger strike on Nov 30, along with Balakrishnan, in a roadside hut in Kuala Balah, Jeli in Kelantan.

Balakrishnan, who heads the MIC branch in Sungai Tambahan Dua, Rawang was arrested last year and sent to Simpang Renggam on April 29 for allegedly being involved in gangsterism, extortion and other crimes. He has denied all accusations made against him.

He was re-arrested after the Johor High Court ruled his detention invalid on Feb 28. Now, he is unable to leave the Jeli district and has to report to the local police station weekly.

Presently, Balakrishnan is being warded at the Kota Bharu hospital. He was admitted on Dec 10 for acute renal failure due to severe dehydration, according to a letter signed by a hospital official.

Seeking justice

"His condition is quite serious at the moment in view of his refusal to take any food and water as well as intravenous drip infusions for active hunger strike," said the official.

Meanwhile, a letter signed by Rukumani has been sent to the Prime Minister's Department this morning. The letter was received by an official from the department (pic of acknowledgement letter).

In the letter, Rukumani pleaded for 'keadilan' (justice) to be done. She is also holding the police and Noh Omah responsible should anything untoward happen to her and her husband.

Balakrishnan's brother, A Thirumoorty, said that no one had influenced Rukumani to stage the hunger strike in Putrajaya.

"We're not doing this for publicity. I never called you (the press). (Staging the strike here) was her own decision as Noh is the only one that can free her husband," said Thirumoorty.

Showing reporters a copy of an article from Utusan Malaysia quoting Noh urging police to "respect" a court decision releasing former Emergency Ordinance detainee and prominent businessman Koo Tee Yam, Thirumoorty said that Noh should himself respect the decision of the Johor Baru High Court.

It is learnt that Noh is presently overseas.

Balakrishnan and Rukumani have two daughters aged two and four, who are presently under the care of their grandmother.