CHENNAI: A Chennai city court granted interim bail to advocate G Arul, accused No 4 in the BSP Tamil Nadu unit leader K Armstrong murder case, to avail himself of medical treatment. The court granted the relief as the police could not provide adequate escort for prisoners being taken to hospitals for treatment in view of election duties.Principal sessions judge S Karthikeyan passed the interim order despite objections made by the prosecution that the accused must be evaluated by a board of govt doctors to verify the veracity of his alleged ailments, and that he may be given treatment at Stanley Medical Hospital itself if needed.Further, the prosecution submitted that if the petitioner was granted bail, the state could not exercise full control over him, and he may commit further crime by misusing his liberty obtained on the ground of medical treatment.Recording the submissions, the court said, “This court has given its thoughtful consideration to the rival submissions put forth by either side. On careful perusal of records, it is found that the accused herein was arrested on July 6, 2024, and was in incarceration for 572 days. Though the petitioner is facing serious allegations, he presented the petition for bail on medical grounds.”The court further pointed out that in this month alone, in at least five instances, it was reported by the Chennai commissioner of police that police strength in large numbers was required for the deployment of law and order and security arrangements. The state was not in a position to produce the prisoners before this court in person and requested an extension of remand by video conference.The court then directed the accused to appear and sign before the court daily at 10.30am if he is not hospitalised. The accused was directed to surrender on April 10 at 10.30am.
