New Delhi, Jun 23 (IANS): A terror accused, lodged in the Tihar Jail, on Tuesday moved the court seeking proper medical treatment after allegedly developing COVID-19 symptoms.

Accused Asif Ali told the court that 17-18 jail inmates, including him, have developed coronavirus symptoms like cough, cold and fever and no efforts were being made by the jail administration for their medical check-up.

"It is, therefore, prayed that necessary directions may kindly be issued to jail superintendent, Tihar to provide proper medical treatment to the accused persons," Ali said in the plea.

The plea stated that it is imperative for the jail authorities to get the accused persons treated well and also to get their COVID-19 tests done.

The plea further claimed that if no timely action was taken, "the situation would get worse". The matter will come up for hearing on Wednesday.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested Ali in December 2015 for allegedly conspiring to carry out terror attacks in the country.

In total, 16 people were arrested in 2016 for allegedly recruiting and financing people to join the terror outfit. One of the accused, however, turned approver in the case.

The NIA had earlier claimed the accused have disclosed many facts about their involvement in the case and on recruiting and financing those willing to join the "Caliphate of ISIS" in Syria.

The investigating agency had earlier informed the court that the accused were arrested for allegedly planning to carry out attacks ahead of the Republic Day.