On instructions, the prison staff has provided screens for the hospital ward where the PDP leader is undergoing treatment to create the “appropriate atmosphere” for the VIP patient, who has also been put on a special diet as prescribed by ayurvedic doctors.

But what has infuriated investigating officers in the blast case is the move by the Chief Minister’s Office to quietly lift the ban under Section 268 CrPC, restricting Mahdani’s movements within the prison.

“Soon after the DMK came to power, there were attempts to move him out of the prison and get him treatment outside, preferably in Kerala. We strongly resisted such a move. With a friendly government in Kerala, we can never hope of seeing him again, particularly when the trial (in a special court) is likely to end in three months’ time and a verdict is expected soon,” pointed out a senior police officer on the condition that he be not named.

One of his first pro-Mahdani moves came just hours after he was sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on May 13. Karunanidhi revoked the suspension of senior IAS officer, Syed Munir Hoda, and appointed him his secretary.

It was Hoda who was Home Secretary when he was suspended on July 30, 2004 by the Jayalalithaa regime for “attempting to help” the PDP leader “without taking into confidence” the then Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary.

Hoda was also accused of discreetly lifting the ban on Mahdani’s movements for a week while he underwent treatment at the KG Hospital in Coimbatore in 2002. When his reaction was sought Hoda declined to comment, and referred the matter to the state Home Secretary Pravin Raina. Raina could not be reached for his comments.

... contd.