DMK MP Kanimozhi was secreted away from the Tihar Central Jail premises here on Tuesday evening much to the disappointment of a battery of photographers, correspondents and well-wishers who waited outside.
Among her well-wishers were Rajya Sabha MPs, MLAs from Tamil Nadu and DMK workers who had arrived here two days ago.
“This is only the beginning, we will get justice when the case finally ends. This is justice…it has been delayed long enough,” said Rajya Sabha member Vasanthi Stanley.
“We have been waiting for this moment for around 190 days…she has undergone unnecessary pain. At last, we are getting to celebrate and enjoy this moment. The party will be revived to its former glory after this victory,” said Saravanan Nambi, DMK representative from Avinashi in Tamil Nadu, who had been waiting outside Gate No. 3 of the jail since 4.30 p.m.
According to Tihar Prisons spokesman Sunil Gupta, Ms. Kanimozhi, accompanied by her husband, was whisked out of the jail premises around 7.30 p.m.
DMK leader T.R. Baalu and MLA Ramachandran visited her in jail before her release. “I am so happy and excited with the result of this case,” said Mr. Ramachandran.
Ms. Kanimozhi, dressed in pink, was driven directly to her residence in Central Delhi, where DMK workers were waiting to receive her. Mr. Baalu presented her a bouquet of flowers.
Although the MP was granted bail on Monday by the High Court, she had to spend one extra night in prison as the judge trying her case had left for the day before the order could reach him and therefore her paper-work was left incomplete.
In addition to Ms. Kanimozhi, other accused in the case released on Tuesday were Kalaignar TV director Sharad Kumar, Bollywood filmmaker Karim Morani and Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd. promoters Rajiv Aggarwal and Asif Balwa.
To reach Chennai on December 3
Chennai Special Correspondent writes:
Ms. Kanimozhi will reach Chennai on December 3, the DMK announced on Tuesday. She will be in Chennai on December 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 11. Again she will be in Chennai from December 24 to 31 when the court closes for holidays, a party release said.