Chennai: Justice A. Arumughaswamy Commission going into the the “circumstances and situation” leading to hospitalisation of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and her “unfortunate demise” has sought six-month extension to complete its probe. In a letter to the public secretary, the Arumughaswamy Commission, whose three-month tenure ends on December 24, has said that it has been able to investigate only 6 of the total 60 people issued summons regarding Jayalalithaa’s hospitalisation and death.
Justice A. Arumughaswamy
“We have sought extension of six months since more than 50 people are to be questioned and CCTV footage in Apollo Hospitals and Poes Garden will have to be examined. Also, Justice Arumughaswamy plans to visit Poes Garden,” sources in the Commission told Deccan Chronicle. Sources in the government confirmed that they have received the letter from the commission and it is under consideration.
“Most likely, extension will be granted since the government is very clear on bringing out the truth in Jayalalithaa's death,” a senior official said.
DMK's Saravanan, Madhavan, husband of J Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar, P Balaji, who obtained the fingerprint of the late chief minister during her stay at Apollo Hospitals, have testified before the commission after having been summoned.
The commission has been mandated to inquire into the “circumstances and situation leading to the hospitalisation of the late Hon'ble Chief Minister on September 22, 2016 and subsequent treatment provided till her unfortunate demise on December 5, 2016.” While making the announcement about the commission on August 16, Palaniswami said the commission was appointed as there were representations from several organisations seeking an inquiry into her death.
