Expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala was released on Wednesday after serving four years imprisonment in a corruption case at a prison here.

Bengaluru: Expelled AIADMK leader V K Sasikala was released on Wednesday after serving four years imprisonment in a corruption case at a prison here. The formalities for her release were done at the state- run Victoria Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment for Covid-19 infection, which she had contracted a week ago, along with her sister-in-law J Ilavarasi.

"Yes, she has been formally released," Parappana Agrahara Jail Superintendent V Sheshamurthy said. According to hospital sources, prison officials sporting PPE kits completed the formalities inside the Covid-19 ward of the hospital.

V K Sasikala

However, she would remain at the Victoria hospital for another three days as mandated under the Covid-19 protocol, though she is now asymptomatic and her symptoms have reduced.

"As per protocol, she will be discharged on 10th day (January 30) if she is asymptomatic and free for oxygen support for at least three days," the hospital said in an official bulletin.

A large number of supporters of the 66-year-old close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister late J Jayalalithaa lined up outside the Victoria Hospital, raised slogans in her favour and distributed sweets in celebration.

V K Sasikala

Independent legislator T T V Dhinakaran, Sasikala's nephew and founder of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) visited the hospital after she was released by jail officials.

Sasikala was in prison since February 2017 along with Ilavarasi and late Jayalalithaa's foster son V N Sudhakaran in connection with the Rs 66 crore disproportionate assets case.

Sasikala's release from prison comes close to Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, due in April-May this year.