Court permits shifting of Halappa to Bangalore

The tainted politician has to spend one more night at the ICU in McGann Hospital here as the District Armed Reserve police refused to provide escort for night journey.

It is said that police refused to provide escort for night journey on security grounds. Even doctors also thought it risky as there is no speciality hospital enroute to attend to the patient in case of an emergency.

The ambulance carrying former minister accompanied by police and medical escort, will start from here on Friday at 6.30 pm and are expected to reach Bangalore by 12 noon.

Medical Superintendent of McGann Hospital Dr S K Mahendrappa, based on the opinion of doctors attending on the arrested former minister, had recommended to shift him to Bangalore for additional treatment on Wednesday. The health condition of the minister though was said to be stable, but spasm and tightness in the chest were noticed during medical investigation on Wednesday.

Potential risk factors

The medical superintendent had said that as some symptoms which can be potential risk factors were noticed, it is necessary to shift him to Victoria Hospital in Bangalore for additional treatment.

Based on the opinion of doctors, the jail superintendent had sought permission from the court to shift him. Second JMFC Magistrate Ravikanth who took up the hearing in this regard, denied the permission and instructed for fresh assessment of his health on Thursday.

On Thursday, the court agreed to shift Halappa to Bangalore based on fresh medical reports. By the time the jail superintendent received the copy of the order, it was 6.30 pm. Prison authorities forwarded a written request to DAR seeking escort during the journey.

Preparations were made at McGann Hospital premises for shifting operation. As Superintendent of Police Murughan refused to provide escort during night, the journey was postponed for May 14.

Well wishers and relatives of Halappa had gathered in large numbers at McGann Hospital in the evening. They were disappointed as the shifting was postponed.