Allegations prove Sasikala corrupt to core: Parties

Chennai: Sensing an opportunity, the DMK and OPS faction of the AIADMK on Thursday quickly dubbed the Sasikala family as “corrupt to the core” after allegations that she paid Rs 2 crore to get special facilities in Parapana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru emerged.

AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP V Maitreyan, who owes allegiance to former chief minister O. Panneerselvam, wondered whether the Congress Government in Karnataka was “helping” the jailed party interim general secretary since the allegation has been made by no less than Deputy Inspector General of Police.

“First there was allegation that bribes were paid to voters in R K Nagar and then a case was filed against (TTV Dhinakaran) alleging that he tried to pay bribe for retrieving the Two Leaves and now there is news that Sasikala has bribed prison officials to get bribe. This shows how the family is corrupt to the core and I would ask is corruption the name of Sasikala family?” he asked.

Maitreyan also said the latest allegations have raised questions over the role of the Congress Government in Karnataka. “There were allegations of jail rules being broken for Sasikala by allowing several visitors to meet her and the Congress administration never bothered to order a probe.

This gives room to speculation whether top leaders of Congress in the state have a role,” he alleged. However, Mr Panneerselvam said he would give a detailed res-ponse after the inquiry rep-ort is out since there are different versions about the allegations.

DMK working president M K Stalin said even prison has not been spared from illegal activities. “As if problems in Tamil Nadu due to the inefficient administration is not enough, there are allegations now that Sasi-kala had tried to bribe '2 crore to prison officials to get special facilities. Even prisons are not safe now (from corruption),” he said.

He recalled allegations that a plot was being planned to eliminate Shekhar Reddy in the Puzhal prison when he is lodged again after his bail ends. CPI leader D. Raja said the allegations have raised questions over functioning of jails. “Strict action should be taken against those who are involved in the incident,” he said.