Family stands by Kani, visits her in Tihar jail

DMK Chief M Karunanidhi met his 43-year-old Kanimozhi at Tihar jail in a bid to reduce her ordeal which is likely to continue for a month or so in view of the Supreme Court’s order.

The apex court had on Monday dismissed the bail petition of Kanimozhi in the 2G spectrum scam case but opened a window of hope for her by saying that she can approach the Special Court after framing of charges.

Karunanidhi and family including Kanimozhi’s mother Rajathi Ammal spent about 45 minutes with her. He arrived at Tihar around 4.30 pm accompanied by Ammal and his son and Union Minister M K Alagiri.

According to sources, Karunanidhi spent about 20 minutes with Kanimozhi, who held about 20 per cent shares in Kalaignar TV that received Rs 200 crore from Shahid Balwa’s Swan Telecom allegedly as quid pro quo for grant of licence. This is a second visit of Karunanidhi in the national capital to meet his daughter. He had earlier visited the jail on May 23 days after Kanimozhi was denied bail and directed to be arrested on May 20.

According to sources, the DMK chief brought some eatables including ‘namkeen’ from Tamil Nadu for his daughter. The sources said both Kanimozhi and Karunanidhi looked calm and were seen talking in Tamil to each other for most part of the meeting.

After some time, former Telecom Minister A Raja and Kalaignar TV Managing Director Sharad Kumar joined the conversation. Apart from family members,  DMK leaders T R Baalu, K Ponmudy and Duraimurugan were also present.