Jayalalithaa had refused to go to hospital: Sasikala
In a 55-page affidavit submitted before Justice A. Arumughaswamy Commission, jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala recounted the events leading to former TN CM Jayalalithaa's death. The Commission is investigating the AIADMK supremo's death. Sasikala claimed that though Jayalalithaa refused to go to the hospital even after collapsing in the washroom on September 22, 2016, she insisted on it. Here are the other revelations.
What are the questions surrounding Jayalalithaa's death?
Jayalalithaa was reportedly in the hospital for three months before she died on December 5, 2016. Since the beginning, conspiracy theories surrounded her death. Fingers were pointed at Sasikala for barricading Jayalalithaa from party members in the hospital and taking de-facto control of AIADMK. Rumors also floated that Jayalalithaa was actually brought dead to hospital and Sasikala circulated false stories about her hospitalization.
Now, Sasikala specifies her role in Jayalalithaa's hospitalization
Sasikala has claimed on the day of hospitalization, her relative Dr. Sivakumar was called after Jayalalithaa indicated that she was unwell. She apparently "fainted" while brushing her teeth and was helped to her bed by Sasikala. Subsequently, Sivakumar phoned Apollo Hospitals, which sent two ambulances within 10-15mins. An unconscious Jayalalithaa was brought down in a stretcher. Sasikala said she briefly regained consciousness in the ambulance.
Jayalalithaa was stressed due to her disproportionate assets case conviction
Sasikala asserted that Jayalalithaa's health issues were mainly due to the stress caused by her conviction and imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case in September'14. She stated that due to fluctuating sugar levels Jayalalithaa's health deteriorated significantly. A diabetologist and a dermatologist were reportedly consulted.
Sasikala also slammed reports that no one met Amma
Refuting rumors that no one met the ailing CM during her long hospitalization from September 22 to December 5, Sasikala said former TN Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, AIADMK leaders Panneerselvam and Thambi Durai and Health Minister Vijaya Baskar met her in September-October. She further said that State Labor Minister Nilofer Kafeel and other ministers saw Jayalalithaa when she was moved to a private room.
Affidavit pans conspiracies that Jayalalithaa was already dead when hospitalized
Sasikala also submitted four videos that she claimed were made after taking Jayalalithaa's permission. The footage shows Jayalalithaa being treated in 2015-2016 and was part of the late CM's efforts to document her health. Sasikala claimed Jayalalithaa's room at her residence Veda Nilayam contained a note proving she was stable in November'16. She was allegedly instructing AIADMK parliamentarians about the party's strategy.
But, some questions still remain unanswered
Though she "officially" died of a sudden cardiac arrest on December 5, the complete details of her 75-day hospital remain a secret. Why was the 24/7 ambulance, a mini-hospital, not used to transport Jayalalithaa? Why did the ambulance from Apollo Hospital take half an hour to transport her though the hospital is hardly 5km from her house? Sasikala's revelations failed to answer these questions.
