V K Sasikala, the close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, was formally released from prison on Wednesday after jail officials completed the formalities, news agency PTI has reported. The procedures for her release were done at the Victoria Hospital, where she is presently undergoing treatment for COVID-19 infection, which she had contracted a week ago, along with her sister-in-law J Ilavarasi.
A huge crowd of Sasikala supporters lined up outside the Victoria Hospital, raising slogans in her favour and distributed sweets in celebration.
The day also coincides with the unveiling of J Jayalalitha's memorial at the Marina Beach in Chennai by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister EK Palaniswami.
She was shifted to Victoria Hospital on 21st Jan and was tested positive. As per protocol, she will be discharged on 10th day if she is asymptomatic and free of oxygen support for at least 3 days, said Bangalore Medical College.
What's the latest health update?
As per the latest health bulletin released by the Bengaluru Medical College and Research Institute, Sasikala is walking with support now, and being continuously monitored.
Earlier this week, Sasikala’s nephew and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran took to Twitter, confirming that the expelled AIADMK leader will be released on January 27. He said while her Covid-19 infection has reduced considerably, her discharge date from the Bengaluru hospital will be decided only after proper consultation with the doctors.
What's the health update?
Sasikala was tested positive for Covid-19 on January 22 after getting admitted in a hospital. Initially she was admitted in the government Bowring Hospital after complaining of fever and breathlessness. The former AIADMK general secretary was being treated at the jail hospital but later taken to the Bowring Hospital for a second opinion.
Sasikala has been serving a four-year jail term in a disproportionate assets case was convicted by the Supreme Court in a disproportionate assets case along with two of her relatives - Illavarasi and Sudhakaran- lodged in the same Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru. While serving the imprisonment in Parappana Agrahara jail, she has deposited fine of Rs 10 crore and 10 thousand in Bengaluru sessions court. The amount has been paid by account holders Pazhanivelu, Vasantha Devi, Hema and Vivek.
Her exit from the prison may prove to be a major turning point in Tamil Nadu politics ahead of the next year’s Assembly elections.