Expelled AIADMK leader Sasikala is conscious and alert; Ilavarasi tests positive for COVID-19

Her sister-in-law J Ilavarasi, who is also serving a prison term in the corruption case, has tested positive for coronavirus and has been admitted to Victoria Hospital.

Bengaluru: VK Sasikala, former AIADMK leader, is conscious and alert, after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) doctors said on Monday.

With her symptoms easing, she is comfortable, walking with support, sitting comfortably and consuming food normally.

Sasikala, 66, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha who is serving her jail term at the Parappana Agrahara Prison here, was shifted to the hospital on Wednesday after her blood oxygen dropped to less than normal level and she complained about fever, cough and breathlessness. She was diagnosed with a severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), and initially had tested negative for COVID-19. A CT Scan, later, showed that she is positive.

Her sister-in-law J Ilavarasi, who is also serving a prison term in the corruption case, has tested positive for coronavirus and has been admitted to Victoria Hospital.

Sasikala is being continuously monitored in the ICU of the hospital. Ilavarasi, on the other hand, is asymptomatic and stable and is without oxygen support, hospital sources said.