The mystery surrounding the death of Tamil Nadu’s late Chief Minister, “Amma” J. Jayalalithaa, has once again come under scrutiny. Strong indications are emerging that the newly formed Vijay government in the state is preparing to take further action based on the report of the Justice A. Arumugaswamy Commission, which was set up to investigate her death. There is now widespread anticipation over whether the government will take a final decision on this sensitive issue — which has shaken Tamil politics for a decade — or order a re-inquiry into certain key matters that remained unclear in the commission’s report.
The matter resurfaced through an RTI application filed by social activist Ramakrishnan, who sought information on the actions taken by the government on the single-member commission’s report and its current status. The Public Department’s response revealed that deep deliberations are currently underway regarding a final decision in the case. Officials clarified that the process is being carried out jointly by the Health Department, the Chief Secretary’s office, and the Police Department, but that the identities of the investigating officials and detailed information cannot be disclosed for security reasons. The final decision will be taken by the state Cabinet.
Background of the Case
Looking at the history of this case — Jayalalithaa was suddenly taken ill and admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22, 2016. After receiving treatment for nearly 75 days, she passed away on December 5 of the same year. Allegations of serious lapses in the medical care provided to her and a larger conspiracy behind her death led the then AIADMK government to constitute a single-member commission under retired Madras High Court judge Justice A. Arumugaswamy. After conducting lengthy proceedings and recording statements from key individuals, the commission submitted its final report to the then DMK government on August 27, 2022. Although then Chief Minister Stalin announced that action would be taken based on the report, no further steps were taken and the file remained pending.
Key Recommendations
The Arumugaswamy Commission report strongly recommended that a fresh and thorough investigation be conducted into several key individuals. The commission specifically named Jayalalithaa’s close confidante V.K. Sasikala, then Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar, former Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan, and several senior officials, asserting that the truth could only emerge through deeper investigation into their roles. It is understood that the current government is preparing to take legal action or initiate a re-inquiry based on these recommendations.
Staggering Hospital Expenditure
Meanwhile, details of the expenditure incurred during Jayalalithaa’s hospitalization have left the public stunned. According to information obtained through the RTI application, the then AIADMK government paid a total of ₹6.85 crore to Apollo Hospital for her treatment and other charges. Notably, ₹1.17 crore was shown as spent solely on catering over 75 days. Room rent accounted for ₹2.72 crore, other health services ₹1.92 crore, and professional charges ₹2.20 crore. The records also revealed that as of December 2018, the government still had an outstanding due of ₹45 lakh to the hospital management.
Public Demand for Transparency
Social activists have expressed strong outrage over this politically significant case. Activist Ramakrishnan alleged that past governments backed away from taking action against those facing allegations in connection with Jayalalithaa’s death. He demanded that the state government immediately place the current status of the case and the contents of the report before the public, and said that those in power owe an explanation for the delay in taking action. He noted that the people of Tamil Nadu have been waiting for nearly a decade for justice and truth in this case, and expressed hope that the new government would crack this mystery and prove its commitment to transparency.