Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested on Saturday over alleged fraud in school recruitments, does not need hospitalisation, AIIMS Bhubaneswar said on Monday, a day after the High Court ordered that he should be shifted to the Odisha hospital for a check-up. Soon after his arrest, he was admitted to state-run SSKM hospital as he complained of uneasiness.
"Partha Chatterjee does not have any serious issues. He has some chronic ailments for which we have advised him. There is no need for any hospitalisation," AIIMS Bhubaneswar Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas said.
Not just Chatterjee but his aide - Arpita Mukherjee - has been arrested after over an amount worth ₹21 crore was found at her home, according to the Enforcement Directorate. The arrests and the heightened investigation in the case has embarrassed the Trinamool Congress-run Bengal government.
Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said, "I don't support corruption or any wrongdoing." Her comments assume even greater significance as she was reported to have ignored the minister's calls after the arrests.
"I don't mind if someone is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. Don't drag my name. I don't even take salary from government," Banerjee said on Monday, slamming the rivals.
On Sunday, responding to a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate on Partha's hospitalisation, the high court had said: “AIIMS, Bhubaneswar authority is directed to medically examine the accused by a team of specialist doctors of cardiology, nephrology, respiratory medicines and endocrinology."
{{/usCountry}}On Sunday, responding to a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate on Partha's hospitalisation, the high court had said: “AIIMS, Bhubaneswar authority is directed to medically examine the accused by a team of specialist doctors of cardiology, nephrology, respiratory medicines and endocrinology."
{{/usCountry}}The central agency had challenged a lower court order, which had said that Chatterjee be taken to the state-run SSKM hospital.
During the hearing, lawyers - representing the probe agency - claimed that Chatterjee, a senior minister in the state, is an influential person and as such should not be kept in a state-run hospital.