HC releases Medical kit scam co-accuse

Kolkata, Jan 11 (UNI) An accused in the Medical Kit scandal was freed by Calcutta High Court today asking him to appear before the investigating officer twice a week.

He was in the jail for last 77 days, the prosecutor said.

A two judge bench presided by Justice Debi Prasad Sengupta granted bail to Ghanashyam Sharda, whose bail was rejected by the lower court and even the high court earlier.

Ghanashyam, aged around 55, was arrested with his elder brother Govinda Sharda, prime accused and owner of the Monozyme kit from Netaji Subash Chandra International airport here in October last year.

The duo was arrested after the monozyme kit was tested 'fake' in different medical hospitals and state laborataries, sources said.

The scandal, which is believed to have claimed a number of lives and even led to the rise to HIV/AIDS cases had sparked wide spread controversy across the country.

Public prosecuter Ashimesh Goswami said Govinda was in the jail and police had chargesheeted both the accused.

Mr Goswami further said the trial of the accused would begin soon and Ghanashyam's release would not affect the trial.

UNI