Jayalalithaa orders Rs.5 lakh for gymnast Soumita Dey

Chennai: Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK General Secretary J. Jayalalithaa Saturday announced Rs.5 lakh for former gymnast Soumita Dey, who is battling for her life at a hospital in Kolkata.

In a statement issued here, Jayalalithaa said she was moved when she read about Dey's medical and poor economic condition.

Jayalalithaa said Dey, belonging to West Bengal, had participated in several national games and had the capability to compete in the international arena.

Praying to god for Dey's speedy recovery, a sum of Rs.500,000 will be given to her from MGR Trust, Jayalalithaa said.

According to reports, Dey's lower half of the body is paralysed.