Swapna Suresh who dealt with crores now meets daily needs with Rs 1,000; controversial figure turns to vegetarian diet and spends hours in temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Disruptive influence in the secretariat and UAE consulate at the same time. Controlling the chief minister’s principal secretary and using him for all kinds of illegal deals and apart from that huge collection of gold in a locker, this was how Swapna Suresh led her life, until a few months ago but now it has turned upside down. All the wealth that she had earned through illegal means has been lost. Swapna who once gifted expensive iPhones as commission to VIPs in the state is only allowed to call her relatives once in a week and that to her husband, children and mother. When other inmates can call their relatives three times a week, Swapna is allowed only a once-in-a-week call as restrictions are imposed on her for serious charges under COFEPOSA act and she can only make the call in the presence of officials. Close relatives are allowed to visit her once in a week.

Prison term has also changed Swapna’s lifestyle. Swapna has demanded a vegetarian diet. She spends large part of the day in the temple of Lord Murugan, situated inside the jail compound. In the initial few days, Swapna was deeply depressed, she never used to speak to anybody else but post-counselling many changes are seen in her behaviour. Now her only luxury is the Rs 1,000 sent from her home as a money order.