THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A doctor of the General Hospital here who consulted Sriram Venkitaram first gave a statement to the investigation team that the IAS officer was drunk at the time of the accident. The doctor who wrote that Sriram was drunk in the case sheet, stood by his word during the recorded statement as well. This key statement will be important when the High Court consider the case tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the doctors of Thiruvananthapuram medical college hospital said Sreeram Venkitaramn, accused of fatally knocking down a journalist with his car under the influence of alcohol, has retrograde amnesia. Retrograde amnesia is a loss of memory-access to events that occurred. Doctors said this is a psychological condition that happens after any major trauma. The incident may be completely forgotten or will slowly recall when the stress subsides.

The doctors attending on him said there is progress in his health condition. He has dizziness and headaches. He sustained injuries on his neck. Sreeram admitted at surgical ICU while on remand was later shifted to trauma ICU. Latest findings are that he has no internal injuries. He has been shifted from trauma ICU to neuro-surgery observation ward.