Jayalalithaa's estranged friend Sasikala breaks down in court

Jayalalithaa's estranged friend Sasikala today reportedly gave a clean chit to the Tamil Nadu chief minister in the disproportionate assets case in a Bangalore court. Ms Sasikala, who was expelled from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) recently, told the court today that she solely operated the bank account that is in question.

Ms Sasikala also said that the firm - Jaya publications - was operated completely by her and Ms Jayalalithaa was only a partner in the firm.

During her statement, Ms Sasikala reportedly started crying at the beginning of her answer. Though she was able to recompose herself, her voice was extremely soft and her speech slow.

The case relates to accumulation of wealth allegedly disproportionate to Ms Jayalalithaa's known sources of income when she was chief minister in 1991-96. Ms Jayalalithaa, is accused of amassing more than Rs. 60 crore wealth disproportionate to her known sources of income.

Ms Sasikala is accused number two in the case and this was the first time that she recorded her statement in the case. The Chief Minister had recently expelled Ms Sasikala and 11 of her relatives from her party, the AIADMK. No reason was officially given for the drastic step, but the move was seen by many as an attempt by Ms Jayalalithaa to reign in an increasingly powerful Sasikala.

There were complaints that Ms Sasikala and her family were trying to dominate matters in the AIADMK and attempting to influence government functioning. Those who were handed the pink slip included Ms Sasikala's husband, Natarajan and her nephew and former MP T T V Dinakaran.