Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday said Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswati, who is in judicial custody in connection with a murder case, is being treated with utmost dignity and consideration befitting his religious status and position in the society.

"While in custody, it has been ensured that he is treated with care and caution considering his age and health condition," Jayalalithaa said in a written reply to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's letter to the chief minister asking her to take 'all such measures' to ensure the physical well-being of the seer.

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The PM had also said the investigation in the case should be conducted with 'extreme care and consideration'.

A team of doctors monitoring the seer has reported that his health is quite satisfactory, Jayalalithaa told the PM. She pointed out that the seer himself had stated before a magistrate that he was being treated well.

The chief minister said the state police effected the arrest after careful and thorough investigation of the 'ghastly and brutal' murder of Sankararaman at Kanchipuram. Further investigation led to his arrest in another case of 'murderous assault' on Radhakrishnan, who was connected with the Sankara Mutt, she said.

The investigation is being handled by a Special Investigation Team with 'extreme care and caution to ensure its thoroughness', Jayalalithaa said.