A surprise inspection at the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) Hospital has uncovered irregularities in the treatment and custody arrangements of an undertrial government officer, according to officials and a statement from the Legal Services Authority.

The inspection team, led by Karnataka State Legal Services Authority member secretary Shashidhara Shetty and including Mandya District Sessions Judge Chandrashekara C., State Legal Services Authority member Dr. Mohan Rao Nalwade, and District Legal Services Authority member secretary Anand M., found that Mahamad Hussain, an ADLR survey supervisor, had been undergoing treatment in a separate room since August 21 without court permission.

A person was also found in the room, according to a release from the information department. Free Press Journal reported that Hussain, who is in judicial custody, was staying with a woman in the same hospital room; the Times of India, citing the information department release, noted that a person was present but did not specify their identity.

Findings and differing accounts

The inspection team, acting on behalf of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority and the Mandya District Legal Services Authority, found that Hussain's medical condition did not appear to warrant hospital treatment. MIMS superintendent Dr. Shivakumar reportedly told the inspection team that Hussain did not have any serious medical condition, a claim carried by The Times of India based on reported speech.

However, the jail superintendent said Hussain had been admitted on the advice of the prison medical officer. This account was supported by Karnataka DGP (Prisons) Alok Kumar, who said Hussain had been referred to the hospital by a prison doctor and admitted following an orthopaedic doctor's recommendation. Kumar also said the responsibility for escorting the prisoner rested with the district police.

Administrative response

Following the inspection, the authorities instructed the jail superintendent that accused persons and undertrials should only be sent to a hospital with prior court permission. The inspection team directed the jail superintendent, police officials, and MIMS Hospital authorities to submit a detailed report. After a review of the report, further legal action will be considered.

Kumar added that action was being taken against members of the escort team over alleged lapses, and that the Mandya District Prison Superintendent had delayed informing the relevant court about the hospital admission. An inquiry has been ordered into the most procedural lapse, and the officer has since been returned to the town custody.

Background of the accused

Mahamad Hussain was arrested by the Lokayukta police on July 2 in connection with alleged irregularities at the Srirangapatna Taluk Land Records office. The authorities accused Hussain of illegal entry into the land records office, assisting in land demarcation, digitisation of records, and creation of fake documents using government software. He was remanded to an initial judicial custody on July 3, and the recent admission to MIMS has been the subject of a routine inspection.