Malaysian-born neurosurgeon breached bail: Aussie police

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MELBOURNE: A leading Malaysian-born neurosurgeon, charged with supplying drugs to a woman found dead in his apartment, has been arrested by the police for allegedly breaching his strict bail conditions.

Suresh Surendranath Nair, 41, was picked up shortly after midnight Friday when Kings Cross detectives raided his apartment in Bondi, Sydney.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, his arrest followed allegations by surveillance police that the former Malaysian surgeon separately hired three female escorts over two and half hours, taking them back to his first-floor unit in Hall Street.

As part of his bail conditions, Nair is barred from hiring any sex worker or taking illicit drugs, the Herald said.

The raid on the unit came a week after Nair discharged himself from a private hospital where he had been undergoing treatment since being charged in relation to the death of Suellen Domingues Zaupa, 22, at his unit on Nov 21, last year.

Nair, now struck off as a medical practitioner, was charged with supplying cocaine to Zaupa, who was reportedly working as a prostitute.

Her friends and family have denied she was a sex worker.

Kings Cross police were called to his flat after a woman’s body, later confirmed to be that of female escort Victoria McIntyre, was found there on Feb 16, last year.

The case is set to go before the coroner.

No charges have been laid in relation to McIntyre’s death.

Just after midnight Friday, more than 20 detectives stormed Nair’s apartment after surveillance police allegedly observed him procuring the services of prostitutes, the Herald said.

Police alleged the doctor, who appeared before Parramatta Local Court Saturday via video link, was seen taking a woman into his unit at 9.30pm.

At 10.30pm and 11.15pm, two other women attended.

Nair was arrested and charged with breaching his bail as officers searched his unit, seizing a substance alleged to be cocaine.

His court appearance Saturday lasted 22 seconds.

He did not apply for bail.

Magistrate Kevin Maughan formally denied bail and ordered the doctor to face Central Local Court in Sydney today, when he is expected to make a fresh application for bail.

Nair is due to re-appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on Feb 9 on the drug supply charge. — Bernama