The Bombay high court on Friday lambasted the state for taking a soft stand against the prime accused in builder Sunil Lohariya murder case. An irate HC bench questioned the “VIP treatment” being meted out to Suresh Bijlani if he was faking illness, and the need for the state to seek a court order to enable his police interrogation. The court also sought to know if some “special favours” were being granted to him and said that no “five-star” treatment should be given to select individuals.
A division bench of Justice S.C. Dharmad-hikari and Justice Gautam Patel passed the remark while hearing a writ petition by Lohariya’s son Sande-ep, who has had alleged that Bijlani was enjoying “VIP treatment” in Thane hospital. “Since when does the investigating officer require the court to pass an order for his interrogation?” Justice Dharmadhikari asked the public prosecutor.
Dissatisfied with the prosecutor’s reply, Justice Patel asked him, “Are there some special favours done for the man (Bijlani)? Do you (state) show such soft hands to everybody?”
“We’ll take it (case) as a test case… How do they evade police and avoid being questioned? These are very serious issues…every such person gets himself admitted and then moves court with bail application,” remarked Justice Dharm-adhikari.The prosecutor tried pacifying the Justices by stating that carrying out interrogation in the hospital was “restricted”. However, the court said, “Don’t waste our time. Tell us what will you do?” The prosecutor then requested that Bijlani be transferred to another prison and that he should undergo a medical examination. “Do whatever you want. However, no five-star treatment should be given to some individuals. How can you be helpless at the hands of such people?” the court remarked.
While placing the matter for next hearing on September 16, the court directed the state to take requisite steps to address Sandeep’s grievance.