Raju's counsel asks for clean, infection-free premises for ailing Raju

In an interesting development in the Satyam scam case, Dr Ajit Kumar, head of the gastroenterology wing of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), where prime accused, B Ramalinga Raju is being treated, appeared in Nampally court yesterday and pleaded that the court premises be kept absolutely clean and infection-free for Raju's examination.
 
Handing over a letter to the court, he asked the court to explore two options, namely, video conferencing or through a system of affidavit to allow Raju's counsel to depose on his behalf.

The court has not been able to proceed with the framing of charges against the accused due to Raju's absence in court on grounds of ill-health.

Meanwhile, the 21st additional chief metropolitan magistrate's court that is hearing the Satyam case, has, however, been cautioned by the doctor that Raju could come down with infection if he were to appear in court as his white blood cell (WBC) count had come down to a dangerous level (from average 7,000 to 2,400).

If the court were to insist on Raju making a personal appearance, he could well walk down from NIMS to the court, a step that was fraught with several risks.

At the point, Umamaheswara Rao, counsel for Raju, told the court that the CBI, which is seeking Raju's presence, should agree to own up responsibility in case of untoward consequences on Raju's health.

Rao also wanted the court to take note of the doctor's appearance in the court.