Jaya death probe: Summons issued to Jeyanandh, panel likely to call OPS soon

Jeyanandh had spoken out in December last year in support of the release of a video of Jayalalithaa during her stay in the hospital. He had contended that while his family did not want to make the video public, then-MLA Vetrivel had done so for the peace of mind of the party men and to absolve any blame pinned on the Sasikala family for the death of Jayalalithaa, including allegations of murder.

The Commission functioning at Kalas Mahal has amped up the efforts to ascertain what transpired in the months leading up to the death of Jayalalithaa. There is now a strong speculation that the Commission could send summons to Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Health Minister C Vijay Baskar in the coming weeks as well, with pressure to wind up the inquiry soon.

The Commission is expected to submit its final report on October 24 this year. The one-man enquiry Commission’s term was to end on June 24. Justice Arumughaswamy wrote to the state government seeking a six-month extension, but the state government has granted an additional four months only to complete the investigation. Over 50 individuals have deposed before the Commission thus far.

Jayalalithaa spent 75 days at the hospital following her admission on September 22, 2016, after taking ill at her residence in Poes Garden. She passed away on December 5, 2016.