Mumbai: The application of Elgar Parishad-Maoists links case accused Varavara Rao of bail on health grounds was a mere "ruse" and he was trying to take undue benefit under the garb of the COVID-19 pandemic situation and his old age, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has told the Bombay High Court.
His health condition was stable and he did not require treatment in a multispeciality hospital, the NIA said in its affidavit on July 16, the day the 81-year-old poet and activist tested positive for coronavirus.
Rao's application of bail on health grounds was a mere "ruse" and he was "trying to take undue benefit under the garb of the current situation on account of the global pandemic and his old age," said the NIA, which is probing the Elgar Parishad-Maoists links case.
The NIA also said in its affidavit that otherwise, Rao would not be eligible for bail only on merits of the case.
"The prison authorities have responded timely and provided necessary medical aid to the appellant-accused Rao. The applicant accused was admitted to J J Hospital following giddiness on May 28 and after medical treatment, he was discharged on June 1 as he was found asymptomatic and haemodynamically stable," it said.
Read:|Varavara Rao shifted to Nanavati for neurological treatment
Rao's medical record and the report submitted by J J Hospital's superintendent did not suggest he was suffering from any such ailment which necessitated that he immediately obtain treatment in a multi-speciality hospital, the probe agency further said in its affidavit.
Rao is currently undergoing treatment for COVID-19 and other ailments at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.
On July 20, the Bombay High Court heard Rao's bail plea briefly.
His lawyer Sudeep Pasbola told the court that Rao was "almost on his deathbed" and even the NIA could not dispute the fact that his health was very critical.