‘Jayalalithaa’s my mother, she was killed,’ Thrissur woman approaches SC with claims about former TN CM’s death

New Delhi: A woman from Kattoor in Thrissur, Kerala, has approached the Supreme Court claiming to be the biological daughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers J Jayalalithaa and MG Ramachandran (MGR). Identified as Sunitha KM, she submitted a private letter to the Chief Justice on Monday, seeking a re-investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jayalalithaa’s death.

In her letter, Sunitha alleges that Jayalalithaa was murdered by VK Sasikala and members of the so-called Mannargudi mafia. "On 22 September 2016, when I reached the Poes Garden residence, I found my mother lying motionless. Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran, Ilavarasi, and VK Sudhakaran were all present. As I began crying loudly, a sweeper covered my mouth and told me to leave the room. Sasikala then kicked my mother’s face as she lay on the floor," Sunitha told the media.

Sunitha claims that she has been living in hiding ever since due to fear for her own safety and that of her children. She also states that Jayalalithaa had conducted a DNA test when she turned 18, confirming their biological relationship. According to her, Jayalalithaa had intended to publicly acknowledge her as her daughter at a press conference, which she believes may have led to her mother’s alleged murder.

In addition to her petition to the Supreme Court, Sunitha says she has submitted similar letters to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and President, and is attempting to met them personally.