Ailing Kasab may undergo surgery at JJ

The government has nearly finished constructing a special, high-security room at Byculla’s JJ Hospital for 26/11 accused Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab because he may soon need surgery for hiatus hernia, hospital and jail sources said on Friday.

The government has nearly finished constructing a special, high-security room at Byculla’s JJ Hospital for 26/11 accused Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab because he may soon need surgery for hiatus hernia, hospital and jail sources said on Friday.

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“A vacant ward on the third floor of the ophthalmology department building is being refurbished for Kasab,” said a doctor requesting anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media. “Construction work started a few months ago. Heavy metal doors and cameras are also being installed for security.”

The doctor said the room was at least 400 square feet in area and is opposite the ward meant for prisoners and undertrials.

Hiatus hernia is the protrusion of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear in the diaphragm.

Both JJ Hospital’s dean Dr RS Inamdar and special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam declined to comment.

Kasab has not been coming to court for the past two days. He looked ill during his previous appearances in court. He has also been complaining to the judge about severe pain in his neck.

His testimony may help the court establish the link between him and the alleged Pakistan-based handlers.

Jail sources said that Kasab has been suffering from flu-like symptoms for the past few days and is being treated at a clinic inside Arthur Road Prison where he is currently lodged.