Click to play videoNew Delhi: The Rahul Mahajan drug abuse case is back to haunt the doctors of the Apollo hospital. The apex court on Monday said that doctors of the hospital will face trial for destruction of evidence.
Medical Director, Apollo hospital, Dr Anupam Sibal had said at that time: "Rahul Mahajan's narco-screen test is negative. There are traces of drugs, but it's for the investigating agencies to say that."
Dr Sibal's public briefing has now landed six of Apollo's top doctors in the dock.
The Supreme Court says they will have to stand trial and will be charged with destruction of evidence. Dr Anupam Sibal, Dr Prasad Rao, Dr Awdesh Bansal, Dr Mukund Pandey, Dr Ali Mohammed Ganai and Dr Abha Gupta have all been accused of a cover-up.
In its November 2006 chargesheet, the Delhi Police had alleged the doctors had played a lead role in destroying evidence and giving false information to them.
It also alleged that Rahul's blood, vomit and urine samples were tampered with.
The charge sheet further said the hospital appeared to have been over-zealous in giving a clean chit to Rahul by saying his toxic screen test was negative. Tests conducted a day later by a private lab showed the presence of cocaine in his body.
Police also found "overwriting" in the hospital records, changing the time of admission of Rahul and his associate Bibek Moitra as well as attempts to delay informing the police about the incident.
Despite repeated requests, the hospital authorities declined a comment on the issue. Sources however say that the hospital administration will stand firmly behind the six doctors who face trial now.
More than 150 staff members, including senior doctors of Apollo hospital, were questioned by the police for over two weeks.
Meanwhile, Rahul Mahajan — son of late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan — has been charged for possession and consumption of drugs and is facing trial as well.
(With inputs from Ashok Bagariya in New Delhi)
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