Indian court questions death of Tamil Nadu former chief minister

Top court in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu Thursday asked why the body of former chief minister J Jayalalitha cannot be exhumed for proper investigation to clear doubts around her death.

"Media has raised a lot of doubts, personally I also have doubts in Jayalalithaa's death," said justice S Vaidyanathan of Tamil Nadu high court.

"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.

Jayalalitha, one of India's most influential and colourful politicians, passed away earlier this month at Apollo hospital in Chennai. The 68-year-old ailing politician suffered a heart attack while undergoing treatment for a prolonged lung infection inside the hospital, where she was admitted for more than three months.

The next hearing is due to take place on January 9.

Jayalalithaa has served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on numerous occasions since 1991. Her supporters and party men has given her the name - Amma which in Tamil language means mother. She was head of the regional AIADMK party and her tenure was surrounded by controversies. She was even jailed in past on charges of corruption.

On Thursday V K Sasikala known as "Chinnamma" (younger mother) to her supporters, the trusted aide of Jayalalithaa, was named as the general secretary (party head) of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Khazagham (AIADMK). She was unanimously elected unopposed.

Jayalalitha was buried next to the memorial of her mentor, M G Ramachandran, who brought her to politics. Endit