Jayalalithaa death probe panel seeks 6 more months

The Commission headed by retired Justice A Arumughasamy was due to complete the probe and submit its findings by June 24 this year. At this juncture, an extension has been sought as fewer than 50 witnesses have deposed before the Commission at Kalas Mahal, where the probe is underway. 

The Commission was instituted by the state government on September 24 last year. The probe was initially due to last only three months, but an extension of six months was earlier sought on December last year.  The panel will resume work on May 25 after summer break. IG Pon Manickavel has been sent summons to appear on May 25. 

VK Sasikala’s counsel Raja Senthoor Pandian will also conduct the cross-examination of Sasikala’s aide Karthikeyan and Jayalalithaa’s school friend Badar Sayeed on the same day. 

On May 26, Sasikala’s counsel will cross-examine six individuals – Jayalalithaa’s assistant Poongundran, an employee of the Governor’s Office Srinivasan, Jaya’s personal security ADGP Veeraperumal, IAS officer Ramalingam, former officer on special duty Shanta Sheela Nair and Dr Sivakumar as well.