Sasikala in civvies', civil society horrified

BENGALURU: A day after photos of AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala's cell in the Parappana Agrahara prison was released, a video clip revealing Sasikala and her relative Ilavarasi grossly violating the prison rules by not wearing convict's uniform and moving around in civilian dress inside the barrack, came out in the open on Tuesday.

In the video, the duo is seen walking in the corridor at the entry gate of the women prisoners barrack. Sasikala is seen wearing a salwar and holing a bag, while Ilavarasi is wearing a saree. Sources said that the visuals were captured in the CCTV camera installed to check the activities at the entry gate of the women prisoners barrack. "It is taken when the Sasikala was leaving the barrack to meet someone in the interview room. There is a tendency among all convicts to wear civilian dress whenever they meet someone. It's a matter of prestige for them as many feel ashamed to wear the white uniform given to convicts. They prefer wearing civilian dress while meeting visitors," a source said.

However, convicts wearing civilian dress under any circumstances in the prison is against the rules. "Not only Sasikala, most of the convicts wear civilian dress when they meet visitors. As per the rule, the jailor should take their civilian dress during admission and return it only when they are released or going on parole. But, all convicts have a pair or two of their civilian dress with them, which is against the rules," the source added.

Other VIPs got better facilities!
The special privilege given to Sasikala is making headlines now. But sources in the prison say that Sasikala is getting very little as compared to other VVIP prisoners. "When mining baron and former minister G. Janardhan Reddy was lodged, an entire building was given to him. He had got a truck of load of red sand and had created a badminton court on the premises. He had a big TV set, 4-5 smartphones and other luxury items. Even in the jail, he was living life king size. Even BJP leader and former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa, Katta Subramanya Naidu, his son Katta Jagadish and some others were given all facilities," a source said, adding that the women barrack is a hindrance for the staff to provide such luxuries to Sasikala.

However, former Tamil Nadu CM J. Jayalalithaa, reportedly did not demand any such uxury during her 22-day stay in the jail in October 2014. “She never met anyone during her stay and did not throw tantrums," the source said.