Cop vs Cop On Sasikala's Alleged Privileges In Bengaluru Jail: 10 Points

VK Sasikala was sentenced to 4-years in jail over corruption charges in DA case (File)

Highlights

Sasikala has special kitchen, relaxed visiting hours, jail staff D Roopa
Officer in charge said, "Whatever lapses there are, we will take action."
Ms Roopa's report also refers to 18 prisoners tested positive for drugs

Bengaluru: A top police officer in Bengaluru today described as "wild and baseless" the allegation that VK Sasikala, the chief of Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK, is enjoying VIP facilities in prison including an exclusive kitchen after paying two crores. "No special treatment is being given to Sasikala,"said HN Satyanarayana Rao, the officer in charge of the Bengaluru Central Prison. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has, however, ordered an inquiry. The allegations were by Mr Rao's junior D Roopa, who challenged her boss to submit to an impartial inquiry.

Here are the 10 developments of the story:

Ms Sasikala, who is serving a four-year jail sentence for corruption, is enjoying benefits like a special kitchen and relaxed visiting hours, Ms Roopa alleges in her report.
Ms Roopa says there is "speculation" that Ms Sasikala paid 2 crores for these privileges and her boss Mr Rao could have been a beneficiary. NDTV has accessed her report.
"Sasikala is consuming prison food that is served to her separately for fear of poisoning...We bring it in a secure manner and give it to her," said Mr Rao today, rebutting his junior's charges.
Alleging a "conspiracy", the prison department head also asserted that Ms Sasikala has been put up in an "ordinary open women's barracks on the first floor".
Mr Rao said he did notice some favours enjoyed by Abdul Karim Telgi, jailed over a multi-crore stamp paper fraud. "I have recorded in the books and asked the prison officials to withdraw it," he said.
The official added: "Whatever lapses there are, we will take action."
Abdul Karim Telgi has three-four helpers who are seen massaging his legs and shoulder. He was allowed helpers by a court six months back when he was using a wheelchair. But the facilities haven't been withdrawn.
Ms Roopa's report also refers to a surprise drug test on 25 prisoners. Around 18 tested positive for cannabis and other drugs, she said.
"I am not saying anything without proof. Let there be an impartial inquiry," said Ms Roopa today, standing by her report.
Ms Sasikala, a lifelong companion of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, has been in jail since February. Among those who visit her is her nephew TTV Dinakaran.