Tamil actor Gautami Tadimalla has said that the mystery shrouding late chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s last days hinted at a conspiracy. In a blog addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she raised questions regarding the “secrecy” around Jayalalithaa’s 75-day stay at Chennai’s Apollo Hospital and her treatment.
Why was Jayalalithaa treated in isolation, and who made decisions about her treatment, the popular actor asked Modi in the post. Gautami added that supporters of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam also wanted answers, and it was their right to be informed about their democratically elected leaders.
“Her demise is all the more tragic and unsettling because of the circumstances over the past few months and the sheer volume of unanswered questions about our late chief minister’s hospitalisation, treatment, reported recovery and very sudden passing,” she wrote. “There had been a near total blanketing of information regarding these matters.”
Jayalalithaa was admitted to Chennai’s Apollo Hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. During her stay, the facility released a number of bulletins that gave a sketchy idea of Jayalalithaa’s health. She died days after AIADMK announced that their party chief had recovered and could be released any day to return to her chief ministerial duties. Jayalalithaa died on December 5, a day after she suffered a cardiac arrest.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!