As Feared By Family Members, Varavara Rao Tests Positive For Covid-19

Rao was admitted to JJ Hospital on July 13 and Dr Ranjeet Mankeshwar, Dean of JJ Hospital told The Hindu, "Mr Rao has just been tested positive. He is not showing any signs of Covid-19. He is stable and will be shifted to another hospital as we are a non-Covid hospital."

Rao's failing health has been a matter of grave concern for family members and well wishers as he suffers from several comorbidities. In a recent call with family members on Saturday, Rao reportedly sounded delirious and was talking about his parents, their funeral when Rao was young etc. Last month, Rao fainted in jail and was rushed to JJ Hospital.

According to news reports, Rao's co-accused Vernon Gonsalves takes care of him inside the prison. He told Rao's family that he is unable to walk, go to the toilet and brush his teeth on his own.

In an order dated June 26, the special court in Mumbai denied bail application filed by Rao for a second time. Rao challenged the decision in a writ petition before the Bombay High Court, which will come up for hearing tomorrow.

Rao is one the eleven accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, others are Gautam Navlakha, Vernon Gonsalves, Surendra Gadling, Anand Teltumbde, Mahesh Raut, Rona Wilson, Arun Ferreira, Sudhir Dhawale, Sudha Bharadwaj and Shoma Sen. The investigation in the case of caste violence that took place on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, was transferred from state police to NIA in January this year.