Jayalalithaa’s death: No reason to doubt doctors, says I&B minister Venkaiah Naidu

NEW DELHI: Union minister Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said he had no reason to disbelieve doctors on the issue of Jayalalithaa’s death and treatment. This comes after the Madras High Court on Thursday morning called Tamil Nadu former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s death “mysterious” and asked why her body cannot be exhumed. Responding to a question at a press conference on Thursday after noon, Minister Naidu said if a notice has been received, it will be responded to.

Expressing doubts over the circumstances that led to the death of Jayalalithaa, Madras High Court judge Justice S Vaidyanathan, who was heading a two-judge vacation bench, said the public should know what has happened.

He indicated that he may order exhumation of the body after a plea before the court sought a probe by an inquiry commission or a factfinding committee. “Media has raised a lot of doubts, personally I also have doubts in Jayalalithaa’s death,” said judge S Vaidyanathan on a petitioner asking for an investigation.


Jayalalithaa was admitted to hospital after she complained of fever and dehydration. She died days after the AIADMK announced that their party chief had recovered and could be released any day to return to her chief ministerial duties.

“When she was admitted in hospital, it was said that she was on proper diet. At least after her death now, the truth should be revealed,” the judge said, asking for a complete health report.

However, AIADMK party that chose Ms Jayalalithaa’s closest confidante Sasikala Natarajan as its general secretary on Thursday said it has “nothing to hide”.

“Why would we tell lies for 75 days? Would a heart attack inform before happening? The judge must think about the feeling of the cadre. It has hurt us but we are ready to reply to this,” party spokesperson CR Saraswathy said.