Kerala HC grants anticipatory bail to cop accused of attacking doctor

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2021-06-26T09:15:00+05:30 | Updated On 26 Jun 2021 9:15 AM IST

Kerala HC grants anticipatory bail to cop accused of attacking doctor

Thiruvananthapuram: A civil police officer of Kochi Metro police station, and his cousin, accused of assaulting a junior consultant surgeon at the government district hospital, Mavelikkara have been granted anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court on Friday.

The case concerned a Covid-19 patient( the mother of the accused cop) who was brought to the facility as her health condition deteriorated. After examining, the doctor declared her brought dead. When the relatives were informed about it, they resorted to violence and allegedly attacked, slapped and hurled abuse at the doctor, who was on duty, alleging delay in giving prompt medical attention to the patient, who succumbed to Covid.

The incident triggered the government doctors in Kerala, who protested against the alleged failure to arrest the accused for assaulting a frontline worker in Alappuzha district, despite the Health Minister assuring that stern action will be taken.

Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) decided to boycott duty on June 25 across the state condemning the delay.

Also Read: Kerala doctors to boycott duty in wake of delay in arresting cop accused of attacking Surgeon

The police officer along with his cousin who allegedly barged into the room and attacked the doctor was arrested and presented before the court on Friday.

Senior advocate P Vijayabhanu, counsel representing the accused, submitted that the entire incident occurred due to the shock of the death of the mother of cop. The incarceration of the accused policeman (petitioner) at this stage would affect their jobs, counsel argued.

Also Read: On duty surgeon assaulted by Kerala police personnel after COVID patient death

According to a recent media report in The New Indian Express, Justice K Haripal observed that the court is not convinced that this is a fit case requiring custodial interrogation. Prima facie, it does not seem that anything requires to be elicited by their custodial interrogation. The accused cop is under suspension.

The court also acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the medical officers and health staff, especially amidst the pandemic. "It is quite unfortunate that in spite of attending the duties in a most diligent manner, they have to suffer indignation which goes to the extent of suffering a physical and verbal assault. But all the same, these are isolated incidents, which cannot be generalized."

However, it observed that, the prosecution has no contention that the cop and his cousin may flee from justice and will not make himself available for probe.

Subsequently, the court held, in the event of arrest, the petitioner cop and his cousin shall be released on bail on condition that they should execute a bond of Rs 50,000 each with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the investigating officer.

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Source : with inputs

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.