Jaya panel summons ex-CS Rao

Rao had earlier deposed before the commission on April 7. At that time, several State ministers raised a furore following reports that he had named them as having been present during consultations on the course of treatment for Jayalalithaa at Apollo Hospitals. The ministers came out with strong denials. Rao then clarified to the media that no such mention was made by him in his testimony.

It has subsequently come to light that the former Chief Secretary and the Health Secretary Radhakrishnan authored and approved all health bulletins that was signed off by Apollo Hospitals and released by the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Apollo Hospitals had submitted that the health bulletins did not come from them and that its contents were finalised by government officials to ensure law and order and prevent panic among the public.

The commission, whose term was set to end on October 24, has sought an extension of four months as several key witnesses are yet to testify before it.