Jaya's niece Deepa and nephew Deepak takes possession of Veda Nilayam after protracted legal battle

After an intense legal battle that lasted for more than four years, J Deepa and J Deepak, niece and nephew of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa took possession of the high profile Veda Nilayam, the residence of late AIADMK leader. 

Officials from the Chennai Collectorate and local police officials handed over the keys to the legal heirs to execute the recent orders of Madras High Court.    

The Court had on November 25 directed the Tamil Nadu government to hand over property to Deepak and Deepa within three weeks.

Speaking to reporters after taking possession of the building, a jubilant Deepa inspected the sprawling bungalow and signed the papers related to possession. “This is a big win for us. AIADMK is a big political party and they should not focus on Veda Nilayam as it is a private property and if the party drags the issue further, I am prepared to legally face them,” Deepa told reporters.

The previous AIADMK-led state government had taken over the 24,322 square feet house at Poes Garden and passed government orders to convert the bungalow into a memorial for the late Chief Minister, who was convicted by Justice D Cunha in a disproportionate assets case.