Varavara Rao medically fit, NIA contends in Bombay HC in plea for extension of bail

The National Investigation Agency on Friday submitted to the Bombay High Court a summary report of the medical examination of Bhima Koregaon-accused Varavara Rao, in his plea seeking extension of medical bail granted to him by the High Court on April 2021.

The summary stated that Rao was evaluated by multiple consultants and was suffering from minor symptoms like lack of sleep and exhaustion.

However, his vital parameters seemed to be in normal range and the remaining clinical examination showed no significant abnormalities, it said, as per a Bar & Bench report.

The reply was filed on a plea by Rao seeking modification of the order dated February 22, 2021 granting him interim medical bail of six months, which was extended from time to time.

On November 29, 2021, a Bench of Justices Nitin Jamdar and SV Kotwal had directed the NIA to take Rao to a private hospital for medical examination at the expense of the agency.

The NIA consequently took Rao to the Nanavati Hospital, which was where Rao had been admitted before he was permitted to be released on medical bail.

At the Nanavati Hospital, Rao was examined for his cardiac, ENT, psychiatry, urology and neurology medications. The report stated that he required no active management or change in his regular medications.

The report stated that he is able to do all the activities of daily living, and over all his neurological functions were normal.

Senior Advocate Anand Grover, appearing for Rao, pointed out that what had been submitted to the Court was merely a summary of the report and not the entire examination record.

Grover called for the entire examination to be submitted so that there is no confusion about Rao’s health status.

The Bench then pointed out that the summary report had come from a hospital of Grover’s choice.

Advocate Sandesh Patil appearing for NIA informed the Court that while Rao's counsel could dispute the report, but Rao could surrender in the meantime.

"My learned friend is disputing the report. Let him surrender right now and then we can debate on the reports".

The court however, adjourned the hearing to December 20, 2021, to enable Grover to respond to the summary reports and submit his say on the same.