Image Courtesy:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Family of Bhima Koregaon-accused Hany Babu on May 11, 2021 requested immediate access to proper medical care and transparency for the undertrial prisoner to treat the acute eye infection contracted at Taloja jail in Mumbai.
Wife Jenny Rowena called for due attention to the illness, as per the rights granted and guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. She talked about how Hany, arrested in July 2020, has little or no vision in his left eye due to a swelling that spread to his cheek, ear and forehead, compromising other vital organs and posing a significant risk to his life if it spreads to the brain.
“He is in agonising pain and is unable to sleep or perform daily chores. Due to an acute water shortage in the prison, he does not have access to clean water to even bathe his eye and is forced to dress his eye with soiled towels,” she said.
The professor experienced pain and swelling in his left eye on May 3, which soon developed into double vision and severe pain. He immediately requested consultation and treatment by a specialist doctor because the prison Medical Officer had informed Hany that the prison did not have the facilities to treat his infection.
However, his brothers stated that he was not taken for consultation because of unavailability of an escort officer. The Taloja Jail Superintendent only sent him to a Government hospital in Vashi on May 7 after receiving an email from the accused’s lawyers a day prior.
At the hospital an ophthalmologist prescribed an anti-bacterial medication and advised him to return for follow-up treatment within two days. Yet, prison authorities failed to arrange for an escort officer even after two days. His condition deteriorated alarmingly, said family members.
On May 10, Hany Babu’s lawyer Payoshi Roy, called the prison over eight times to speak with the Superintendent, who refused to answer the call. Finally, at 8:30 PM, the Jailor informed Roy that he was aware of the situation and making arrangements to take him to the hospital the next day.
Roy again sent an email to the Superintendent requesting that there be no further delay. She emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that even a day’s delay may lead to an irreversible deterioration resulting in partial or complete loss of sight and life-threatening complication of the brain. On May 11, the family reported he was yet to be taken to the hospital.
In a press statement, brothers Harish MT & MT Ansari said, “Through the last few days, we have been beside ourselves with anxiety. The thought of Hany Babu having to beg for something as basic as essential health services is heart wrenching. Even today, we were unable to get a response from the prison, despite repeated calls by Ms. Roy. We fear that an opaque system will do irreparable damage to those locked up within as well as locked down at various places.”
Related:
Bom HC grants bail to Reliance Energy worker accused under UAPA
Expression of mere hostile point of view not hate speech: Bom HC
Bom HC issues notice in Fr. Stan Swamy’s bail plea; grants liberty to appear before vacation bench
Bhima Koregaon case: Bom HC seeks State’s response in Shoma Sen and Rona Wilson petitions