No extraordinary demand from Jayalalithaa: Prison officials

Bengaluru: It’s been a week since she was convicted on corruption charges in the 18-year-old disproportionate assets case and given a prison sentence of four years. Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK General Secretary J. Jayalalithaa has reportedly been keeping a low profile inside the high security women’s cell number 23 in the Central Prison at Parapanna Agrahara, where she is lodged with her close associates and co-accused Sasikala Natarajan and Ilavarasi since September 27, when she was convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act by the special court in Bengaluru.

“Madam keeps to herself and doesn’t come out of the cell. She has asked for three English dailies, which are given to her every day. She has simple prison food and
her health is normal. She is being monitored by prison doctors and nurses, who are on call. She knows the prison rules and has not made any extraordinary demand,” said Deputy Inspector General of Prison Jayasimha. On doctor’s advice, the former TN chief minister, who reportedly suffers from back pain had asked for an iron cot, which was given to her by the prison department.

As per protocol, the city police have alerted the two premier government hospitals – Victoria Hospital and Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & Research to provide Ms Jayalalithaa suitable medical treatment and accommodation in case of requirement. “Like any other prisoner we are prepared to provide her appropriate medical treatment and accommodation. In the case of a VIP prisoner we have to ensure that neither the prisoner nor any other patient is inconvenienced,” said an official source.

Meanwhile, on Friday and Saturday Ms Jayalalithaa had no visitors because of government holidays. “Nobody has come in the last two days to meet her because there are no interviews due to Dasara holidays,” said the officer.