Katta bail plea: Court seeks doctor's opinion

Naidu has applied for bail on health grounds as he needs to seek treatment for his cancer. Naidu, the prime accused in the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) scam, is presently in Victoria Hospital for his back problem.

Lokayukta special public prosecutor Pramod Chandra in his objections to the bail plea said that only an interim bail could be granted if Katta required treatment and absolute bail cannot be considered. Katta had claimed he was suffering from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cervical spondylosis and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “Though it is contended that his diabetes is uncontrollable, no documents have been placed,” he said.

After an investigation, doctors have only suggested an evaluation and it is right to seek the opinion of oncologists on further course of treatment, the objection statement said.

 In 2008, Katta had sought stem cell transplant at the Royal Free Hampstead Hospital in London to treat his cancer. The objections also note that though his cancer was detected in 2004, Katta was hale and hearty and active in politics, serving as a minister for four years without report of any complications.

“Please consider the gravity of his offences and although he has the right to avail best medical facilities, bail cannot be considered for absolute relief on medical grounds. Interim bail could be granted after a through assessment of his medical condition and treatment,” the objection stated.