Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa finally appeared before a special court in Bengaluru for the first time on Thursday in the disproportionate assets case, which was filed way back in 1997 and was grilled for over six hours.
Special judge B.M. Mallikarjunaiah recorded at least 379 answers before adjourning the case to Friday for further recording of statements by the prime accused, Ms Jayalalithaa. With the recording of statements still continuing, Ms Jayalalithaa will appear before the special court on Friday too. The proceedings are taking place at the special court set up at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison for security reasons as Ms Jayalalithaa enjoys ‘Z’ plus security.
Ms Jayalalithaa looked cheerful when she arrived at the court. She was seen wishing her supporters who had gathered in large numbers near the court as the SUV, escorted by at least 30 police and Black Cat commandos along with a jammer vehicle, made its way to Parappana Agrahara. Prohibitory orders were imposed in and around the premises with even the media kept at least 400 metres from the court hall and only the accused and a few advocates allowed inside.