As jailed former TN Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa is fighting a lone legal battle, a high-ranking Karnataka jail official, contrary to media reports, has clarified that Jayalalithaa has not been given any VIP treatment. He also said that the former TN Chief Minister had not met any visitor since September 27.
DIG Prison Jayasimha at the high security Parappana Agrahara central prison located on the outskirts of Bangalore clarified to the mediapersons on Thursday that there was no VIP treatment for jailed AIADMK leader as reported in certain section of the media. He said, “We have not provided any VIP facility. No mobile and TV has been given to her as reported and she is in jail like any other prisoner.”
Jayasimha clarified that Jayalalithaa was provided jail food as per doctors’ instruction and her health is stable. Replying to a question, he said she was not wearing the prison dress (white saree) and has refused to meet any visitor since September 27.
Amma was convicted in the Rs65.68 crore disproportionate assets case by the Special Court. Judge John Michael D’Cunha who awarded her a four-year jail term also slapped a hefty fine of Rs100 crore on September 27.
She will continue to stay in jail till October 7 when her bail application will come up for hearing at the High Court. On Wednesday a vacation Court Judge Justice Ratnakala refusing to hear the petition said that it would require time to verify the bail plea and it would be better if a full bench handled the case rather than the vacation bench. The other accused in the case including, Jayalalithaa's close aide Shashikala, her foster son Sudhakaran and her relative Illavarasi are also serving their term.
Meanwhile, on Thursday hundreds of supporters of Amma thronged in front of the prison to have a glimpse of their leader. Many AIADMK legislators, party workers continued to stay in front of the prison holding placards, banners and photos of Amma. Many supporters tonsured their head in protest against conviction to their dear leader. A woman party worker who has been staying in front of the prison along with many women from Tamil Nadu says Amma will get justice and soon will be out of jail. She also finds her conviction a political conspiracy by the DMK to tarnish the AIADMK and Amma who have been a threat to their existence.