IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman moved from ICU to high care ward

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The medical board reviewing the health condition of IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman found that his physical condition has improved. On Thursday, Venkitaraman was discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) and was admitted to high care ward.
According to the medical board, Venkitaraman has serious ligaments injuries on his left wrist. Hence, the ortho department has decided to continue treatment in this regard.
“He still feels pain on his neck and hands. Though he had complained of stomach ache earlier, detailed examination by general surgery department couldn’t find anything problematic. The MRI and CT scans indicate that his spinal cord was under pressure following the dislocation of disk in the backbone in the impact of the collision. Hence, the neurosurgery department has prescribed treatment. He would be kept under observation for at least three weeks and he would be subjected to a surgery only if necessary,” said the medical board in a statement.
The neurosurgery department has also observed that Venkitaraman was displaying symptoms of Retrograde Amnesia (a condition of temporary memory loss suffered as a result of traumatic experiences). This may be owing to post concussion syndrome. “There would be improvement in his condition as time passes. He is being provided necessary treatment for this. He is also under medication for reducing stress,” noted the statement.
Meanwhile, Vandoor Abdul Rahman Faisi, director of Siraj daily — in which deceased journalist K M Basheer was working, met chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and submitted a memorandum, requesting to improve the efficiency of the police probe. He also requested in the memorandum to invoke sections of conspiracy and destruction of evidence against Venkitaraman and Museum sub-inspector (crimes) Jayaprakash and record the sworn statements of four key witnesses, Shefeek, Manikkuttan, Joby and Jithu under Section 164 of Code of Criminal Procedure.
Later, Faisi said that the CM has responded to the pleas in a positive manner and hence, they would rethink about the relay-hunger strike announced a day ago. Talks would be held with journalists’ union office-bearers in this regard.