Two held for spreading rumours about Jayalalithaa's health

Police on Tuesday arrested two men for spreading rumours about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's health on social media.

Satish Kumar and Madasamy were taken into custody with an intent to create panic among the public following a complaint from the ruling AIADMK party's IT Secretary.

Police have registered 43 cases on charges of spreading rumours about the health of Jayalalithaa, who has been warded in the Apollo Hospital here since September 22.

The 68-year-old was admitted with fever and dehydration. The doctors later said she needed a longer stay at the hospital as she was suffering from infection and put her on respiratory support.

Police recently registered a case against a resident of France of Tamil origin, also on charges of spreading rumours.

Meanwhile, leaders of political parties continue to visit Apollo Hospital to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health.

Congress leader M. Krishnaswamy told the media later that AIADMK leaders had told him that Jayalalithaa's condition was improving.

Among those who have called on her include Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, DMK leader M.K. Stalin, the Governor and Chief Minister of Kerala, CPI leader D. Raja as well as central ministers.

Amid rumours that Jayalalithaa was in a serious condition, Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam announced on Monday after meeting doctors that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister would be discharged soon.

Tamil Nadu ministers held special prayers in famous temples like the Rajagopalaswamy Temple at Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district for the AIADMK leader's speedy recovery.

Hundreds of men and women took part in a procession carrying milk-filled vessels in Madurai.

Special prayers were also held at a temple in Tiruporur in Kanchipuram district and in Chennai.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandra Babu Naidu has reportedly asked the Tirumala Thirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the famed Tirupati shrine, to send 'prasadham' to the ailing Jayalalithaa.

--IANS

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