Can't air: EC on Jaya video on bypoll eve

On the eve of Chennai's RK Nagar bypoll, a purported video clip of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on a hospital bed sipping a drink was released on Wednesday by a supporter of sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran. The 20-second video was allegedly shot by her aide and confidant VK Sasikala.

The Election Commission ordered TV channels to take the video off-air terming it a violation of the model code of conduct. The city police registered a case under IPC Section 188 (disobedience of a public servant's order) and Section 126 (b) of the Representation of People's Act on a complaint filed by the returning officer of RK Nagar Assembly seat.

In the cancelled bypoll in April, the then rebel AIADMK led by Panneerselvam used a dummy coffin with Jayalalithaa's figurine mounted on the bonnet seeking justice for her death.

Senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar hit out at the release of the video saying that it was a conspiracy and a demeaning act with an eye on Thursday's bypoll.