The National Investigation Agency on Monday urged the Bombay High Court to dismiss the permanent medical bail plea filed by poet-activist Varavara Rao, an accused in the Elgar Parishad Maoist links case, saying charges against him were "very, very serious," and, if proven, could attract the death penalty.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, who appeared for NIA, told HC Rao (83) seemed to be suffering from "regular old age-related issues," and the probe agency was willing to give an undertaking that requires medical aid would be provided to him in prison or in a government hospital whenever required.