Confirming the incident, airport sources said the SI on duty was questioned as to how he put the security stamp seal (pre-departure security check stamp) behind the boarding pass without physically checking Sasikala at the security check point before she boarded the aircraft.

Sasikala also accompanied Jayalalitha in the vehicle through the VIP gate No 6A at the old airport complex and travelled up to the step-ladder of the aircraft through the restricted operational area and boarded the plane.

This was a serious violation of the security norms since the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has only permitted Jayalalitha and her vehicle the special privilege in view of her Z-plussecurity category. Sasikala does not enjoy that status or privilege.

Earlier too, Sasikala has managed to put some conscientious people in trouble by invoking her ties with Jayalalitha. Time and again policemen havebeen suspended for turning a blind to the fancies of people close to the AIADMK supremo.

In normal cases, such policemen cases are referred to the airport administration where they are served with show-cause for dereliction of duty. But all know who is finally to blame for the breach of security.