With the arrest of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa coming as a shock to her supporters, the party on Thursday claimed that 154 sympathisers have died unable to bear the anguish.
According to data compiled by AIADMK on the basis of inputs it received from various districts, the toll included 113 persons who died due to cardiac arrest in various parts of Tamil Nadu since September 27 when Jayalalithaa was convicted.
The party has also released the names and addresses of the deceased.
A party functionary refusing to be quoted said as per the data fourteen committed self-immolation, fifteen hanged themselves and seven consumed poison as they were “distressed” on hearing the Bangalore special court’s verdict awarding a four year jail term to their revered “Amma” (mother) in the disproportionate assets case.
Besides, one died by falling in front of a bus, two jumped before a train and two drowned in a river, the functionary said.
For about a week after the court verdict, parts of the state witnessed agitations expressing solidarity with ‘Amma’, as she is addressed by her followers.
Jayalalithaa, who was denied bail by the Karnataka High Court, on Thursday moved the Supreme Court for relief.