Unseen footage of Jayalalithaa having juice on hospital bed released

CHENNAI: A day before RK Nagar by-polls, unseen footage of late AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa inside Chennai's Apollo Hospital, days before her death, was released on Wednesday. 

Jayalalithaa held the RK Nagar assembly seat till she died.

In the video, the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is seen sitting on the hospital bed, sipping from a glass of juice and probably watching television.

The footage was released by TTV Dhinakaran's supporter P Vetriivel.

Speaking to media, Vetriivel said, "It's false that no one met Jayalalithaa in hospital. There's video proof. We waited for days before releasing it but released it now as we were left with no option. Inquiry Commission hasn't summoned us yet, if it does we'll submit evidence to them."

After spending 72 days in Apollo Hospital, the AIADMK matron breathed her last on December 5, 2016. Several theories have been floating over her demise in the last one year. Many claimed that her death was not natural and that she was in fact killed.

According to sources, the video is an attempt by the Dhinakaran camp to influence voters.

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Election Commission to ensure that RK Nagar By-polls are conducted in a free and fair manner while refusing to delay the date of election from tomorrow.

On Saturday, founder of the Apollo Hospital Dr. Prathap C Reddy reiterated that his doctors did their best while treating the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, even as an inquiry commission began recording statements to clear the mystery surrounding the late AIADMK general secretary.

"An inquiry is on. Former Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa was brought to hospital in a critical condition, showed significant progress later, but disease pattern was such and due to acute respiratory distress syndrome she passed away. Our team of doctors did the best they could," Reddy, Apollo Hospitals Founder-Chairman, said while talking to the media here.

Later, news agency ANI tweeted:

 

You are requested to stop any further telecast of this video that may directly/indirectly have any impact in the forthcoming elections (#RKNagarBypoll) or any discussion relating thereto adhering to MCC: EC to TV Channels & Newspapers on video of Jayalalithaa at Apollo Hospital pic.twitter.com/TWFpKHBw4k — ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2017

Reacting to the video, AIADMK member D Jayakumar, "Model Code of Conduct is instated now, therefore we expect Election Commission to take immediate action against P Vetrivel."

 

With ANI Inputs