VIJAYAWADA: Former TDP legislator Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar, who was in Rajahmundry central jail after being arrested by the ACB, has tested positive for Covid-19.
The HRCT test conducted after a high court direction indicated that he is having mild infection in lungs caused by the virus. Earlier during the day, the AP high court directed the ACB and the Rajahmundry central jail authorities to shift Narendra and former cooperative department employee Gurunatham to a private hospital to conduct all requisite tests for Covid-19.
The court said the orders should be implemented immediately and warned of consequences if not done so.
Narendra’s counsel informed the court that Gopala Krishnan, the second accused in Sangam Dairy case, has tested positive and has been shifted to a private hospital as per ACB court’s directions. He said Narendra and Gurunatham also have Covid-like symptoms, but the ACB court has kept their petitions in pending.
He further stated that though Narendra’s RT-PCR test was negative, the symptoms are persistent. As RT-PCR tests are failing in many patients, a CT scan of the lungs is required and there is no CT scan facility at Rajahmundry government hospital.
He requested the court to give directions to shift Narendra and Gurunatham to a private hospital where necessary tests can be conducted and treatment can be provided if they test positive.
Justice R Raghunandan Rao directed the Rajahmundry jail authorities to take necessary steps to shift both the accused to a private hospital where testing and treatment facilities are available. Narendra’s counsel also sought a certified order copy, stating that jail authorities are not complying with the court’s orders unless a certified copy is given.
Justice Rao directed the standing counsel for ACB to inform the authorities about the high court’s directions and to ensure that the orders get implemented without delay. The court further said that this order will not hinder ACB in continuing their investigation in the case.