Chennai: A supporter of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa nailed himself to a cross on Monday to pray for the return of the 66-year-old politician as Tamil Nadu's chief minister. Jayalalithaa had stepped down from the chief minister's post after a Bangalore court sentenced her to four years in jail last year for holding Rs 530 million in unaccounted cash and property. The Supreme Court granted bail to the politician a month later after her lawyer said she was in poor health.
On Monday, Jayalalithaa's supporter - Karate expert Shihan Hussaini - was assisted by aides as he nailed himself to a cross and remained on it for a 6.7 minutes. The duration of the act was designed to mark the former CM's upcoming 67th birthday. Hussaini's aides hammered .6-inch nails into his hands and feet for the act. A team of doctors and an ambulance were standing by during the self-crucifixion.
Several Jayalalithaa supporters attempted suicide after a special court in Bangalore announced her sentenced in September. Television reports had also showed her supporters clashing with police in Bangalore and Chennai.
Jayalalithaa acted in several movies before joining politics and has a huge fan following. She endeared herself to millions by distributing free laptops, grinders and fans to voters over the years.
