HC rules out bail to Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi

The Bombay high court ruled out any possibility of granting bail to September 2008 Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The court also said that it would direct the National Investigating Agency to provide her good medical treatment for her breast cancer.

The Sadhvi had approached the court seeking to be released on bail for a few days, so that she could undergo surgery for breast cancer.

"The Sadhvi has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Besides this, she also has back problems due to which she is confined to complete bed rest. She would like to undergo treatment for her cancer, with her relatives near her and not police personnel," her lawyer Milan Desai argued.

NIA counsel Rohini Salian, however, opposed the bail plea, stating that the agency would provide her all treatment and assistance. "We will take care of her. She will be operated upon. There is no need to grant her bail," she argued.

Agreeing with the NIA counsel, Justice R C Chavan said, "If the NIA assures good treatment, what is the problem? They are not hostile towards her. There is no question of granting bail."

The court further said that it would direct the prosecution to see to it that she gets good treatment and attendants to be by her side.

"Basic necessities like food and water will be provided. The Sadhvi can give a list of relatives she wants with her, so that the NIA will issue them passes," Justice Chavan said.

The court will pass its order on Thursday.