New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission on Friday decided to get the medical report of poet-activist Varavara Rao submitted by the Maharashtra government, examined by its own medical expert panel.
The report is to be given within two weeks for consideration of the Commission.
Rao, a Telugu poet and intellectual, has been lodged in Taloja jail in Maharashtra for about two years.
"The Commission found the submission as reasonable and plausible and accepted it considering the fact that COVID pandemic has affected the state of Maharashtra in large scale," the statement released by NHRC read.
It held the report as comprehensive which included the medical examination reports of Rao by the team of doctors and other medical reports, it added.
NHRC took cognizance of the matter in its proceedings on July 13 and opined that the deteriorating health condition of Rao is a "serious issue of violation of human rights."
The Commission also issued notice to Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra calling for a detailed report in the matter and constitute a Medical Board to analyze his health condition.
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Rao had also tested positive for COVID-19 and was transferred to state-run St George's Hospital. Considering potential danger to his life, being a COVID positive with co-morbidities, the commission directed the government of Maharashtra to provide him the best possible treatment at a private hospital without any further delay.
The Commission on July 17, directed the state government to shift him to the best possible COVID hospital.
In response to the directions given by the Commission, a report dated July 22 was received from the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra that confirmed that he was COVID positive with comorbidities.
It was mentioned in the report of the Chief Secretary that in view of the directions given by the Commission, Rao was shifted from St George's hospital to Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai on July 19.
The state government contended that there was no intentional delay in shifting him to the super specialty hospital keeping in view the requirement of arrangements including security.
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