[Bhima Koregaon Violence] Bombay HC Issues Notice To NIA In Plea Filed By Varavara Rao To Travel Hyderabad For Cataract Surgery

Justice R.G Achavat of the Bombay High Court has issued notice to NIA in a plea filed by Bhima Koregaon accused P. Varavara Rao seeking permission from the court to travel to Hyderabad for his cataract surgery.

Rao had filed a plea before the Supreme Court seeking modification of the medical bail granted to him. However, the Supreme Court asked Rao to approach the trial court.

The special court rejected Rao's application to travel to Hyderabad for 3 months for cataract surgery. The Special Court had rejected Rao's plea on the grounds that he can get his surgery done in Mumbai and that arguments were going on in the discharge plea.

Rao in his application before the high court submitted that if Rao does not undergo cataract surgery as advised by his doctors, it may lead to serious health repercussions including impairment of vision which cannot be ruled out given the fact that the Applicant is already 82 years of age.

It has been contended that Rao can get good and free treatment at Hyderabad as he is a pensioner in the State of Telangana and can also avail benefits of a Senior citizen.

The plea further states, "The Applicant's experience in Mumbai with Government Hospitals has been quite abysmal as is reflected in the o. 19/152 judgment of the Bombay High Court granted him bail for 6 months with the liberty to apply for an extension. So far as private hospitals, the expenses are prohibitive for the Applicant."

The plea also states that Rao has not violated any of the conditions imposed on him which were imposed while granting him medical bail.

Rao has prayed before the High Court to set aside the order of the Special Court and allow him to travel to Hyderabad for a period of 3 months for the cataract surgery in both his eyes.

Varavara Rao is one of the accused in the Bhima Koregaon Elghar Parishad Violence which is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency. Rao is charged under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Case Title: Dr. P Varavararao vs NIA