Jaya death probe: Health Minister deposes before panel

With unclarity on the treatment provided to Jayalalithaa continuing to prevail, Vijaya Baskar is said to have answered several queries during a marathon seven-hour session, especially on why no attempt was made to take her abroad.

Addressing newspersons, ousted AIADMK leader VK Sasikala’s counsel Raja Senthoor Pandian said: “Vijaya Baskar said that he couldn’t appear before the probe panel since the Assembly was in session.

He also said that the reasons for not taking Jayalalithaa abroad was not discussed in the cabinet meeting.”

“The minister maintained that the experts at Apollo Hospitals gave the best treatment to her and that he was serving as a government representative at the hospital. He also stated that Deputy CM O Panneerselvam was aware of the events that transpired throughout her hospitalization period.”

Vijaya Baskar also said that the experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences had not recommended taking Jayalalithaa abroad, revealed Raja Senthoor Pandian.

This was the first time the minister had appeared before the panel, following summons issued earlier in December 2018 and twice in the beginning of this year.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai is expected to appear before the panel on January 22, while Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam may depose the next day.