Sri Vijaya Puram: Former Member of Parliament Kuldeep Rai Sharma was sent to judicial custody till July 30 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of South Andaman on Thursday, as his bail plea was rejected in the high-profile cooperative bank loan scam.
Calling the allegations “serious” and noting that the investigation was still at a preliminary stage, the court turned down the defence’s plea for bail, despite submissions regarding Sharma’s deteriorating health.
Sharma, currently under treatment at a private hospital, was represented in court via video conferencing by his Senior Counsel, who cited a referral from the medical board of GB Pant Hospital.
Taking note of the medical documents, the court directed the Superintendent of Prothrapur Correctional Home to ensure Sharma is examined without delay by a competent civil surgeon at the government hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram. Based on the doctor’s advice, Sharma must be provided with the best available treatment, the court said, warning jail authorities against any laxity in compliance.
A medical report on Sharma’s condition must be submitted by 10:30 AM on July 21, while his next court appearance has been scheduled for July 30. The court has also requested the production of the case diary and instructed the investigating officer to be present at the next hearing.
It also instructed that copies of all submitted medical records be forwarded to the Prothrapur jail authorities to ensure continuity in treatment and legal oversight. A free copy of the court order was also handed to the defence, citing the urgency of the matter.
While the court did not permit bail, its directives reflect a balanced approach that combines judicial prudence with humanitarian considerations. With the case drawing widespread public interest, all eyes now turn to the medical report, which could determine the conditions of Sharma’s detention going forward.
For the full timeline of events and prior developments, read: Ex-MP Loan Scam: Arrest Sends Ripples Across A&N Politics
