HYDERABAD: The 22-year-old Telugu engineering student, Sujith Venkatramolla, languishing in a US prison on six serious charges is likely to secure bail in the next couple of days.

The crucial trial of the engineering student hailing from Nizamabad and presently studying at University of Missouri Rolla came up before the court, where the defence team sought waiver of arraignment. The Judge declared that the case could be converted into a bailable one.

Speaking to this reporter over phone from the US on Tuesday, Rayadas Manthena of Nizamabad Organisation, who has been following up the case, said Sujith could be brought out on a bail bond of US$10,000.

He was not cross-examined as the defence lawyers sought a waiver.

"We are working on the bail-bond financial support and surety," Mr. Rayadas said adding Sujith will be out on bail in the next 48 hours. Though out on bail, he cannot travel out of the US till the charges are dropped.

Sujith is in a US prison facing charges for armed criminal action, resisting arrest, false report of a bomb threat, making terrorist threats and first-degree assault of law enforcement officer.

Therapy

St. Louis-based local Telugu associations like Nizamabad Organization, American Telugu Association, Telugu Association of North America, Telangana Development Forum and Hindu Temple Board of Trustees had rallied behind Sujith.

"Once Sujith comes out, he will undergo therapy to heal his depression," Mr. Rayadas said, adding that the defence team submitted petition for appointing a State-sponsored psychiatrist to evaluate his health.

Indian doctors (especially psychiatrists) were also being approached to provide therapy and counselling.

He said the Vice-Chancellor of University of Missuouri Rolla has been approached to allow Sujith to continue his education.

"As Sujith undergoes treatment, he can continue his studies through distance education mode or Internet."

Efforts were also being made to bring Sujith's mother to US so that he could recover fast.

"We are seeking help from the Indian diplomats to secure a US tourist or visitor visa for her."

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