The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has said in its response to NCP leader Nawab Malik's application seeking a 6-weeks bail for surgery owing to a kidney ailment, that by way of the plea, he is trying to flee from the clutches of law.
It further said that for the sole purpose of medical treatment that is available at government hospitals, there is no need for relief. Surgery and medical treatment can be done during custody under the supervision of medical officers or a government hospital, its response said.
In the alternative to the grant of temporary bail, Malik had sought treatment at a private hospital of his choice. The ED said regarding this, that by seeking this relief he wants to escape the process of law. He may get an opportunity to remain at large on the pretext of prolonged health issues time and again in collusion with the hospital of his choice, it said. JJ hospital is a well-equipped government health facility, it added and called the plea 'nothing but a tactic' to get bail.
Malik had also cited the fundamental rights of an accused in the plea. The ED said that fundamental rights have been protected and that it is not necessary that treatment must be by a facility of his choice.
Malik admitted to JJ hospital
On Monday, Malik's lawyer Kushal Mor informed the court that his health had deteriorated over the past three days and that he was admitted around noon to JJ hospital where he was taken in a wheelchair. Mor told the court that Malik had complaints of fever, shivering and vomiting and sought that he be shifted to a private hospital as JJ hospital does not have required test facilities. The court has called for a report from JJ hospital regarding Malik's medical condition as also the availability of a facility to conduct tests necessary to give treatment to him. The lawyer also sought that Malik's daughter is permitted to meet him at the hospital. The court permitted his daughter Nilofar Khan to meet him as per hospital timings.
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