Lalu Prasad to be shifted to AIIMS as health deteriorates

"Lalu Prasad is having trouble breathing for the last two days. On Friday, it was found that he had pneumonia. Considering his age, we have decided to shift him to AIIMS on the advice of doctors for better treatment," RIMS Director Dr. Kameshwar Prasad said.

He added, "Prasad is likely to be shifted to AIIMS today and we have spoken to the experts there."

Dr. Prasad further said that the authorities and his family are arranging for an air ambulance to shift him to Delhi.

An eight-member medical board is examining Prasad's health and he is likely to be shifted to AIIMS as soon as the experts submit their report.

To send him to Delhi, the jail authorities will have to seek approval from the CBI court.

On Friday, Prasad's wife Rabri Devi, daughter Misa Bharti, sons Tej Pratap and Tejashwi had reached Ranchi on a special plane after being informed of his deteriorating health.

After meeting him, Tejashwi informed reporters that his condition was worrisome.

Tejashwi also met Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren at his residence to seek cooperation from the state government in arranging to take Prasad to Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Jharkhand High Court on Friday heard about the violation of the jail manual by Prasad while he was admitted to RIMS, pulling up the hospital authorities, jail administration, and the state government.

A PIL was filed in the Jharkhand High Court demanding to shift him back to Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi.

The case will be next heard on February 5.