Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal who was accused in an alleged fraud of Rs 538 crore at Canara Bank was teary-eyed when he appeared at a special court on Saturday. With folded hands, Goyal told the court that he had lost every hope of life and it would be better if he dies in jail than living in his present condition.
The 74-year-old businessman was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 1, 2023, in the case and he is currently in judicial custody at Mumbai's Arthur Road jail. He had filed a bail plea with the special court and during the proceedings, Goyal requested for a few minutes of personal hearing, which special judge M.G. Desphande allowed, reported PTI.
Goyal said his health is precarious and the jail staff has their limitations in helping him. Pointing to his knees, he told the judge they were swollen and painful and he was unable to fold his legs. The businessman also told the court that he has severe pain while urinating and sometimes blood is passed through urine, according to the news agency.
The Jet Airways founder added that there was no point in referring him to JJ Hospital, pointing out that travelling with other inmates as per the convenience of prison staff and escort party from Arthur Road jail to the hospital is troublesome.
Goyal told the judge that he is unable to reach the doctor in time due to the long queue of patients and further follow-up is not possible. Saying these are "very badly affecting his health", the businessman requested the court not to send him to JJ Hospital and instead allow him to die in the prison.
He told the court that he misses his wife Anita who is bedridden and in the advanced state of cancer, according to the court's record of daily hearings. Goyal added that there is no one to look after her as his only daughter is also ill.
After listening to Goyal, special judge Desphande noted, “I heard him patiently and also observed him when he made the submissions as such. I found that his whole body was trembling. He needs assistance even to stand.”
“I have taken note of everything he has submitted and also assured the accused that he will not be left helpless and all possible care of his mental and physical health will be taken with proper treatment,” the judge said after hearing Goyal.
The judge directed Goyal's lawyers to take appropriate steps concerning his health.
In the bail plea filed in December, the businessman said he was suffering from heart condition, prostate and orthopaedic issues and claimed there were reasonable grounds to believe that he is not guilty.
The ED has filed a response to his bail plea and the matter will be further heard on January 16.
– with PTI inputs