Delhi’s Karkardooma Court recently dismissed the bail plea of Dr. Akash in connection with the New Born Baby Care hospital fire case, where tragically eight babies lost their lives. The argument put forth was that Dr. Akash, who is currently under arrest, was a trainee at the hospital and not employed there in a supervisory role.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand dismissed the bail plea of Dr. Akash after carefully considering the arguments presented by the defense counsel and an additional public prosecutor (APP).
Advocate Naveen Kumar Singh, representing Dr. Akash, contended that Dr. Akash holds neither an employment status nor a supervisory role, supported by the absence of an official appointment letter. Dr. Akash holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree. The counsel further stated that Dr. Akash began his tenure at the hospital as a trainee in January 2024.
The defense also argued that Akash aided the nursing team, with Dr. Naveen Khichi handling the treatment. The defendant never engaged in patient treatment or issued prescriptions. Given the hospital’s age, the defense counsel questioned whether a 26-year-old could hold a supervisory role. They emphasized that Akash simply followed the doctor’s and nursing staff’s instructions.
The defense counsel argued that despite being only 26 years old and at the beginning of his career since he enrolled in 2023, it’s questionable for him to hold a supervisory position. The counsel further stated that the incident was an accident caused by a short circuit on the second floor, leading to death by suffocation rather than burns. Therefore, they questioned his responsibility in the matter.
Additionally, the defense highlighted a lack of proper procedures and emphasized that keeping him in jail would ruin his career prospects. They also mentioned that the accused comes from a disadvantaged background, lacks influence, and is not from an influential family.
The fire began on the second floor using a treatment cylinder, with seven babies rescued before official help arrived. There’s confusion about the arrest dates (May 26 or 27). The prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations punishable by life imprisonment in a court of session. They argued for the case’s transfer due to its early investigation stage.
The accused, not a trainee but in charge at night, left the hospital without alerting authorities. He contacted Dr. Naveen Khichi. Delhi Police found a body in the ICU earlier. The High Court is involved. Another baby has died, making 8 deaths. The defense argues the accused saved 7 babies and that police investigated the fire’s cause.
