Bail plea of AIIMS MS rejected

NEW DELHI, July 24: A delhi court today rejected the bail application of Dr R.C. Anand, medical superintendent of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), now suspended, on the ground that the investigation was at a crucial stage. He was caught red-handed while allegedly accepting Rs 10,000 as bribe for supply of absorbent cotton.

Dr Anand had sought bail on health grounds today submitting that he was ill. Special Judge Dinesh Dayal said: “At this stage when investigations are at a crucial juncture, I do not find it a fit case for grant of bail.” Judge Dayal, who perused Dr Anand’s medical records, observed “the records did not disclose any serious illness”. Dr Anand’s counsel had submitted his client was suffering from high BP and hypertension.

Giving reasons for rejecting the bail plea, Judge Dayal said: “The accused admits recovery of the money from his pocket. Important records are yet to be seized from his office. Statements of the witnesses are also to be recorded.”

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The court, which had on Tuesday remanded Anand to 14-day judicial custody, said it was not inclined to grant bail to Dr Anand as he “is holding a high position and is bound to influence the employees”.

Dr Anand was arrested while allegedly accepting Rs 10,000 from the owner of Shifa Scientific Fibres as commission for 4,000 rolls of absorbent cotton from a medical goods supplier. He is presently lodged in Tihar.