Satya Niketan collapse: Court seeks medical report on Hari Ram Gupta's bail plea
Delhi court seeks a medical report on 82-year-old Hari Ram Gupta's bail plea following the tragic Satya Niketan building collapse.
The Patiala House Court has taken a significant step in the legal proceedings following the tragic Satya Niketan building collapse. In a recent development, the court has issued a notice regarding the bail application of Hari Ram Gupta, specifically requesting a detailed medical report from jail authorities to assess his health and age-related concerns.
A Second Attempt at Bail
This move comes after Gupta's previous attempt to secure regular bail was turned down by the court on September 18. The accused, who is the husband of the building's owner, Urmila Gupta, is seeking relief based on his advanced age and deteriorating health. Additional Sessions Judge SPS Laler has now scheduled the next hearing for September 30, following the submission of the requested medical documentation.
Health Concerns Raised by Defence
During the proceedings, Advocate Yashpal Singh, representing the accused, highlighted several critical health issues that necessitate medical attention. The defence argued that Gupta is a super-senior citizen, aged approximately 81 to 82 years, and a retired Sergeant from the Indian Air Force.
The legal team presented the following medical details regarding the applicant:
- Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Requiring consistent management of high blood sugar levels.
- Gliptin-induced Bullous Pemphigoid: A condition that necessitates regular medication, including steroids.
The Gravity of the Tragedy
The case stems from the devastating incident on September 6, where a building in Satya Niketan collapsed, leading to the deaths of seven people and leaving several others injured. The court previously noted that the situation remains dire, as one victim is reported to be in critical condition.
When the initial bail plea was dismissed, the court highlighted several factors that weighed against granting liberty to the accused at this stage:
- Ongoing Investigation: The probe is in its preliminary stages, and the charge-sheet has not yet been filed.
- Direct Involvement: Witnesses examined thus far have suggested Gupta's involvement in the work being conducted at the site.
- Ownership Links: While his wife owns the building, the electricity connections for the premises are in Gupta's name.
- Property Usage: The building was being used as a densely occupied paying-guest house, yielding substantial monthly rent.
Prosecution's Stance and Investigation Status
The Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) has strongly opposed the bail, emphasizing that the investigation is still uncovering the exact roles played by family members. The prosecution is currently examining the nature of the work being carried out at the site and how it relates to the collapse.
While the court previously rejected the bail, it did issue a directive to the Jail Superintendent to ensure that Gupta receives all prescribed medicines and necessary medical care without any delay. The core question of whether the work at the site was mere ground-floor levelling or actual construction remains a central point of the ongoing investigation.