News Room Reports : Defense lawyers have rejected a proposal for Azruddin Mohamed to undergo a second blood test, insisting that the original laboratory work is certified and should be relied upon as the case proceeds.
Doctor Kawal Dalip appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday afternoon, where he confirmed that he diagnosed Mohamed with dengue and issued 12 days’ sick leave. Dalip told the court he made the clinical diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms, later referring to laboratory results from his own facility.
He explained that the 12-day rest period was intended as a maximum and that Mohamed should be reassessed after roughly 10 days. Dalip also said Mohamed’s condition and medication would likely prevent him from appearing in court even by Zoom, due to drowsiness.
Prosecutor Glen Hanoman, however, challenged Dalip’s testimony, describing what he called “red flags” and questioning the timing of the diagnosis and the lab work. Hanoman pointed out that the blood sample was reportedly taken at around 11:50 a.m. while dengue was indicated earlier, arguing it would be “impossible” to confirm dengue before testing.
Hanoman also questioned the reliability of the results, suggesting the lab work might not have belonged to Mohamed, citing that the report included an accompanying positive sickle cell test. He further noted that the test was not PCR-based. Dalip responded that the result was a “false positive,” while still maintaining his overall dengue diagnosis.
The exchange also turned contentious over the length of rest recommended. Hanoman argued dengue cases usually require three to five days of recovery, while Dalip insisted the period could be extended up to 14 days.
At several points during the hearing, Magistrate Latchman intervened to seek clarity, noting that Dalip was not under formal examination. Tensions in court escalated as the doctor frequently spoke over questions, while defense attorneys objected to parts of the prosecutor’s line of inquiry.
The court also heard that the blood sample was collected by Dalip’s employee, Joel Semple. Prosecutors requested that Mohamed be sent for an independent test at another laboratory, but defense attorney Roysdale Forde opposed the move, insisting the original laboratory is certified and that no further blood test should be required.
Despite the objections and concerns raised, the magistrate accepted the medical report. The matter was adjourned to April 7 to 10.
