Ex-AIADMK leader VK Sasikala released from Bengaluru jail after 4-year jail term in DA case
However, as the former AIADMK General Secretary is being treated for COVID-19 at the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, she is unlikely to return to Chennai soon.
FollowBengaluru: VK Sasikala, a former aide of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was released from Parapana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru on Wednesday morning after completing four years of imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case.
However, as the former AIADMK General Secretary is being treated for COVID-19 at the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, she is unlikely to return to Chennai soon. Her release also comes after the fine of over Rs 10 crore was remitted.
According to the latest health bulletin Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Sasikala is conscious, alert and well oriented, her pulse rate is 76/minute and blood pressure is 166/86 mmHg.
It is unclear when she will be discharged from the hospital.
Jail officials completed all formalities with regard to Sasikala’s release from the hospital, where she is being treated. Legal documents confirming her release were signed at the hospital. A large number of Sasikala supporters waited outside the hospital, waving AMMK flags.
The 66-year-old was on January 20 shifted from Parappana Agrahara jail, where she has been lodged since February 2017, to the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru after complaints of fever and breathing difficulties. She was later moved to the ICU of the Victoria Hospital after her test returned positive for the novel coronavirus.
Sasikala’s release is expected to add another complicated dimension to politics in Tamil Nadu which goes to assembly polls in April-May. As a high-stakes behind-the scene operator, her moves will be keenly watched.
The close confidante of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa surrendered before the jail authorities on February 15, 2017, days after her bid to occupy the Chief Minister's chair failed.
