V K Sasikala, Ex-AIADMK leader released from jail after 4 years

Chennai: Expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala was released from jail in Bangalore on Wednesday. The former interim general secretary of AIADMK and the aide of former Chief Minister Jayalalitha was earlier expected to be released from jail today. She was charged with having assets disproportionate with income case four years ago.

A gathering of Sasikala supporters waited outside the hospital, waving AIADMK flags. A bulletin released by the hospital at 9 am on Wednesday states that she is asymptomatic with COVID-19, and is conscious, alert and well-oriented. She is being treated for Covid -9 at Victoria hospital in Bangalore. Officials in jail have completed all the procedures to release her soon from hospital. A fine of over Rs 10 crores was remitted before her release.

On January 20, the 60-year-old AIADMK leader was shifted from Parappana central jail where she was imprisoned since February 2017 to Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital after she told about her health issues. Later, she was shifted to ICU in Bangalore's Victoria hospital after testing Covid 19 positive.

Sasikala supporters raised slogans and distributed sweets in front of the hospital after her release. However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said "No" to VK Sasikala's political re-entry to AIADMK in a press meet conducted before her release. Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly elections are set to be held in May 2021. Reports regarding her political come-back have not been confirmed yet.