New Delhi: The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to poet-activist Varavara Rao who has been in jail for over two years in the Bhima-Koregaon case. The 81-year-old activist has been asked to remain in Mumbai and be available for investigation whenever needed. Also Read - Bhima Koregaon Case: Tribal Activist Stan Swamy Sent To Jail Till October 23, Chargesheet Filed Against 7
Rao, an accused in the Elgar Parishad- Maoist links case, was admitted to the J J Hospital last year and was later shifted to St George Hospital, after he tested positive for coronavirus. Also Read - Varavara Rao, Who Has COVID-19, Shifted to Mumbai's Nanavati Hospital For Neurological Treatment
Lodged in the Taloja jail in neighbouring Navi Mumbai under judicial custody, Rao was admitted to J J Hospital after his family members and several writers and activists asked Maharashtra government to immediately shift him to hospital for treatment, citing his deteriorating health condition. Also Read - 'Terrible Injustice’: Twitter Cries Foul as Jailed Poet Varavara Rao Tests Positive For COVID-19 After Being Found on Urine-Soaked Bed
He was behind the bars for more than 28 months. He had also approached the special NIA court, seeking bail on medical grounds and the prevailing COVID-19 situation.
