Chennai: AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala, lodged in Parapana Agrahara Prison, Bengaluru, since February 15, has been suffering from severe back pain, her counsel on Thursday has informed the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (Economic Offence-I). which is trying a Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (Fera) case registered against her by Enforcement Directorate over two decades ago.
When the matter came up for hearing before Judge A. Zakir Hussain, her senior counsel B. Kumar submitted that Sasikala has been suffering from severe back pain and was not in a position to travel in police van from Bengaluru and return. He asked the court to allow appearance before the court through video-conference facility. Vehemently opposing the plea, public prosecutor for Enforcement Directorate, Dhandapani said the case has reached an important stage and court is all set to frame charges against Sasikala, her relative V. Bhaskaran and now defunct JJ TV.
Sasikala has to read the charges and sign on the charge sheet in person. It is not known, how the procedure would be followed if she was allowed to appear through video conference facility. Besides this, the facility may face many technical glitches. Sasikala’s counsel has not submitted medical report about her health condition, he said. The judge adjourned the matter to May 4 for passing order on Sasikala’s petition seeking appearance through video-conference. The judge also directed Bhaskaran to appear before the court on the same day for framing charges against him.
Five cases were registered against Sasikala, Bhaskaran and J J Tv by ED in 1995 and 1996 on charges of violating the Fera of 1973. After the Madras High court’s last year order reversing the trial court order discharging Sasikala and others from the case, the ACMM (EO-I) reopened the case and trial commenced. The ACMM (EO-I) is all set to frame charges against Sasikala, Bhaskaran and JJ Tv.
Recently Sasikala filed a petition before the court seeking appearance before the court through video conference facility. Meanwhile, the ACMM (EO-II), S. Malarmathy has adjourned hearing on a Fera case registered against AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran to May 10. When the matter came up for hearing Dhinakaran’s counsel has submitted Dhinakaran’s relative Mahadevan died recently and Dhinakaran has to attend funeral rites in his native place. Hence, the counsel sought adjournment of the hearing.
