Geelani may have cancer, could be moved to AIIMS

Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, lodged at the Birsa Munda Central jail here since June 9 under POTA, is suspected to be su...

Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, lodged at the Birsa Munda Central jail here since June 9 under POTA, is suspected to be suffering from cancer and may have to be shifted to the AIIMS, New Delhi.

Doctors examining Geelani, after he had complained of pain in his chest and stomach since last month, said he is suffering from a number of diseases.

A team of doctors belonging to the Abdul Razak Ansari Memorial hospital run by the Apollo Group, rated as one of the best in the state, examined Geelani and made him

under go a series of tests including CT scan and ultra-sound.

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The test results showed that although his pace-maker was working well and he had recovered from viral hepatitis, his kidney and liver were swollen and he had stones in his gall bladder.

In addition, a ‘mass’ on his left kidney was diagnosed, which doctors said ‘‘could be cancer’’. Dr Prasad, who is examining Geelani told the Indian Express: ‘‘This mass on his left upper pole kidney is a cause of concern and as such we referred him to AIIMS.

Geelani, who is fond of meat, has been given vegetarian food since. ‘‘We are giving him food and medicines as advised by the doctors,’’ said the jail superintendent Purshottam Thakur. Geelani has been on pace-maker since 1997.

Asked if the state government plans to shift him to AIIMS, the IG [Prisons] Satendra Singh said: ‘‘Any decision in this regard will be taken by the Union Government after the state government apprised it of his medical report.’’