Apollo Hospital denies report of Jayalalithaa’s demise, says condition still ‘critical’
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J.Jayalalithaa (right: update from Apollo Hospital)
Apollo Hospital on Monday evening denied media reports confirming the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK chief J.Jayalalithaa.
Jayalalithaa had been admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai since September 22 this year. Her condition had normalised over the last few days, but deteriorated again on Sunday night.
The news of her demise was reported by local news channels, including Sun TV and Thanti TV. Another reporter confirmed that the party flag was taken down at party headquarters in Chennai.
Apollo Hospital, meanwhile, has denied reports of her death and said Jayalalithaa remains critical. The update was shared around 6 pm.
“A large team of doctors from Apollo and AIIMS continue to provide all life saving measures” said Sangita Reddy, Apollo Hospitals.
An earlier statement from Apollo Hospitals, issued in the morning, had said that the CM had suffered a cardiac arrest and medical specialists from UK and Delhi were being consulted to provide her the best possible care.
On Monday morning, AIADMK statement had said that the CM was feeling well and her discharge would happen soon.
However, in the wake of the announcement on Sunday, police and other security forces had been deployed across major cities and neighbouring areas to maintain law and order situation in the state.
The neighbouring state, Karnataka, is also on high alert. Bus service between the two states has also been suspended since Monday morning.
Thousands gathered outside Apollo Hospitals after her condition was declared critical. Many were seen crying and praying for her speedy recovery.
As a result, local police put up barricades around the hospital premises. Security forces are also present in heavy numbers near the hospital and sensitive areas across the state.
After the news of her demise was aired on local channels, a scuffle broke out between her supporters and police forces, where the latter had to resort to lathi charge.
Scuffle between AIADMK workers and Police outside Apollo Hospital in Chennai #jayalalithaa pic.twitter.com/6N8FpyY4le
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 5, 2016
Update: The party flag has been hoisted at the headquarters once again. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has also reached Apollo Hospital to take stock of the situation.
Chennai: Party flag hoisted again at AIADMK HQs #jayalalithaa pic.twitter.com/7nJpWbNI9I
— ANI (@ANI_news) December 5, 2016
