Former AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala, who is due to be released from the Parappanna Agrahara prison on January 27 , was hospitalised on Wednesday following complaints of fever, breathlessness and cough.
According to prison officials, she complained of uneasiness and was shifted to the prison hospital when the symptoms did not subside. After keeping her under observation, doctors at the prison hospital decided to seek a second opinion on the possibility of a COVID-19 infection and shifted her to the Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College and Research Institute later in the day.
Doctors at Bowring Hospital told The Hindu that she had fever two days ago, but when she was brought in, she had breathlessness but no fever.
“She has tested negative in the rapid antigen test and the test report of RT-PCR is awaited,” said Manoj Kumar H.V., dean and director and Medical Superintendent at Bowring Hospital.
Her oxygen saturation had dropped to 79%. Later in the evening, after she was administered six litres of oxygen, it came up to 96%, said doctors.
“Ms. Sasikala was admitted with co-morbidities of hypertension, diabetes and hypothyroidism. She is stable with supportive measures, antibiotics and oxygen. She will be further evaluated and monitored. Investigation reports are awaited,” said the hospital in a statement.
Her advocate Raja Senthoor Pandian, when contacted, said, “We are getting updates from prison authorities. She is under observation and tests are done and results are awaited. No one is allowed to meet her.”
Security personnel have been deployed at the ward where she has been admitted. Ms. Sasikala, close confidante of the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, was convicted in a disproportionate assets case and is set to complete her four-year prison term on January 27.
