Jaya death probe panel refutes claims of undue delay

In a video released by the commission’s lawyer S Parthasarathy, the latter stated that the commission has not been causing any form of undue delay. He said the extension was sought as several key witnesses were yet to be examined. 

Parthasarathy detailed the steps taken by the panel since its inception including getting the affidavit from ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala and the testimonies of various medical professionals involved in the treatment of Jayalalithaa at Apollo Hospitals. 

Terming allegations that accused the commission of delaying the probe as unfounded, he said that the panel is awaiting testimonies from several doctors, some of them living abroad, who were consulted on the treatment provided to the ailing CM.

While ruling out a definite timeframe for completion of the probe, Parthasarathy said the commission believes that four months will be sufficient to record all testimonies. 

This will be the third extension sought by the commission. The term was to originally end on December 24, 2017. A six-month extension was granted until June 24, 2018. The commission requested a further six months but was granted four months with the current deadline of October 24, 2018. 

Jayalalithaa spent 75 days at the hospital following her admission on September 22, 2016. She passed away on December 5, 2016.