Karnataka HC adjourns Jaya's bail plea; protests continue

One more person died on Wednesday in an act of suicide after being apparently upset over Jayalalithaa's conviction in the disproportionate asset case as protests against her conviction continued across the state for the fifth day.

A 55-year-old farmer died at the government hospital in Nagapattinam, three days after he consumed poison at his house in Oorkuthi village near Nagapattinam, the police said.

With this, the toll of those believed to have died in various parts of the state unable to bear the four-year jail term awarded to Jayalalithaa since September 27 has risen to 19.

Though All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kazhagam activists harboured a ray of hope on their leader's possible release after their lawyers' wing managed to get the vacation bench to hear Jayalalithaa's bail petition, they were disappointed as the case was adjourned shortly after it was taken up for hearing by the judge.

Protests continued in various parts of Chennai and elsewhere in the state, with party workers displaying posters and display boards, demanding release of their 'Amma.'

AIADMK's student wing also joined the protests organised by other branches of the party in Chennai, while the IT wing held a human chain near the party headquarters.

A report from Tiruchirappalli said AIADMK workers continued their fast for the fifth day near Anna Statue, pressing for release of their leader. Similar protests were reported from various parts of the district.

Representatives of Cable TV operators' Association, Brick Kiln Owners Association and trade unions associated with the AIADMK also observed a fast at Namakkal.

Wailing AIADMK supporters during  the party MLAs' meeting at the party headquarters in Chennai. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI