Molestation of COVID-19 patient inside ambulance: HC rejects bail plea of accused

Kochi: The High Court has rejected the bail plea of the ambulance driver who was booked for molesting a COVID-19 patient inside ambulance. The court expressed shock over the molestation of the patient while being taken to hospital from Pandalam.

The woman who is expected to be transported safely to the hospital was molested by the ambulance driver midway. The state witnessed widespread protest over the incident.

The molestation case questioned the government's system to manage COVID-19 patients.

The court observed that important facts and concern of the public over the case should be considered while making a decision on the bail plea. Upholding the order of Pathanamthitta sessions court, the High Court also dismissed the bail plea.

The incident took place on September 5, 2020, at 11.30 pm. The petitioner argued that the probe into the case has been completed and there is no need to continue custody.

But the government opposed the bail plea of the accused. The lawyer who appeared for the government argued that the accused molested a 19-year-old COVID-19 patient and he should not be released at any cost.

In the report to the court, the doctor claimed that the victim was not examined properly due to unfavourable situation. Hence, the court noted that the argument in the absence of evidence to prove the charges against the accused should not be considered.