Bowing to the demand made by rebel faction led by O Panneerselvam (OPS), the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Thursday announced that it would constitute a commission of inquiry, headed by a retired judge, to probe into the "mysterious" death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

Palaniswami also announced that Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa, which was occupied by V K Sasikala before she was lodged in the prison, would be converted into a memorial.

"The commission will be headed by retired High Court judge and he would submit his report", Palaniswami said.

The announcement, which was made by the chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, would brighten the prospects of the merger between the two warring factions of AIADMK.

Palaniswami said that the government has decided to form a committee since there was speculation among various quarters about the Jayalalithaa's death.
 
"The head of the commission will be announced later", he added.
 
Recalling that Jayalalithaa had served the State as chief minister six times, he also announced that her multi-crore Poes Garden residence 'Veda Nilayam' in the city would also be converted into a memorial.
   
A Judicial probe into the 'mystery' behind Jayalalithaa's death was one of the two prime demands made by the OPS faction and it was now fulfilled by the ruling party.
 
The other demand was to ouster the entire Sasikala's family including her nephew TTV Dhinakaran.  With the ruling AIADMK already sidelined Dhinakaran, the latest announcement is expected to pave way for the merger between the two factions.
 
Welcoming the announcement, OPS camp key member and former Minister K Pandiarajan, said since all the demands were accepted by the chief minister, the time has come for the two factions to hold open talks on the merger.
   
Palaniswami's sudden announcement came against the backdrop of heightening tussle between Dhinakaran and the leaders of the ruling group with the former warning of action while hinting of destabilising the government.