In a significant development, Govt. of Tamil Nadu’s Health Department has denied the statement of Dr. Balaji of Apollo Hospitals on the issue relating to the left-hand thumb impression affixed reportedly by former Tamil Nadu chief-minister J. Jayalalithaa in the nomination papers nominating party candidates to contest the by-polls in the State during her days at the Hospital in late 2016.

Jayalalithaa was ‘declared dead’ by the Hospital on the night of 05th December, 2016 after she spent a mystery-filled 75 days at the Hospital.  After doubts were raised by several quarters on her demise, the Govt. of Tamil Nadu set up late last year an Inquiry Commission headed by Justice Arumuga Swamy (retired) to probe the circumstances leading to the demise of ‘Puratchithalaivi’ J. Jayalalithaa.

The Inquiry Commission has been interrogating all concerned including top-level Govt. officials, doctors at Apollo, politicians and others.  Dr. Balaji was interrogated about Jayalalithaa’s LTI affixed on nomination papers nominating party candidate to contest the Tirupparankundram by-poll.  Dr. Balaji reportedly deposed before the Commission that there was no written communication from the Govt. to obtain the then CM’s LTI.

Responding to Dr. Balaji’s deposition, State Health Secretary Radhakrishnan has denied the same.  “At this juncture, I can’t comment on Dr. Balaji’s statements until I’m aware of the full facts of the case,” he said.