BJP corporator Lalitha in critical condition

Girinagar Ward (ward no 162) BJP Corporator H S Lalitha who was arrested for shoplifting at Sukh Sagar Mall in Gandhinagar in April 2014, and released on bail, is stated to be seriously ill after allegedly trying to kill herself by consuming poison at her residence.

The first-time corporator, representing Girinagar Ward, in Basavanagudi Assembly Constituency, allegedly consumed poison a few days ago and is being treated at a private hospital. However, the incident came to light late. Lalitha’s condition worsened on Tuesday, following which, she was shifted to Intensive Care Unit in Sagar Apollo Hospital. She is stated to be critical.

The police were not aware of the incident till a section of electronic media reported it on Tuesday. Mayor N Shanthakumari, Basavanagudi MLA Ravi Subramanya and others visited the hospital to enquire about her health. The police said no case has been registered against Lalitha for alleged suicide attempt.

“We will have to inquire the matter thoroughly. There are several theories doing rounds. It is believed that she consumed poison four months ago. The incident seems to be strange. We require some time to decide on action,” a senior police officer said.

According to sources, Lalitha was found lying in her bed room in an unconscious state and immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment where doctors declared that she had consumed poison. The reason for Lalitha’s decision remains a mystery, Girinagar police said.

The staff at Ashok Apparels, located in the basement of Sukh Sagar Mall, in Gandhinagar, had allegedly caught Lalitha redhanded after she lifted some dresses on the pretext of buying them on April 22, 2104.

On being alerted, the Upparpet police had rushed to the mall and arrested her. During interrogation, she confessed to the crime and had revealed that she had stolen some dress materials in the past. Lalitha is reportedly suffering from kleptomania.