Lokayukta surprise visit exposes lapses at state-run cancer hospital in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Lokayukta has initiated a suo motu probe into alleged mismanagement, irregularities, and malpractice at Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital following an anonymous complaint.
Citing concerns that prior intimation could lead to evidence being tampered with, Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil carried out a surprise inspection of the hospital on Friday.
According to a report published by The Hindu, several lapses were revealed during the visit. The hospital is currently overseen by an IAS officer holding additional charge as administrative head, who visits only once a week.
A shortage of doctors and support staff was also flagged, raising concerns over the hospital’s ability to handle its patient load.
At the Central Drug Store, officials said that 40% of drug costs are borne by the state government and 60% by the Centre, making high-cost medicines available at subsidised rates. However, patients reportedly complained that essential drugs such as Enzalutamide 160 mg and Exylete were often unavailable at the hospital pharmacy, with some staff allegedly directing them to private stores to purchase the medicines. The Lokayukta directed the hospital director to take immediate action against such practices and submit a compliance report.
Justice B.S. Patil further ordered the inspection team to conduct a department-wide audit and prepare a detailed report on the irregularities reported at the hospital.
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Man abducted, assaulted, forced to drink urine in Ajmer; nine arrested
Jaipur (PTI): Nine persons, including a woman, have been arrested for allegedly abducting a man and subjecting him to torture in Rajasthan's Ajmer district, police said on Sunday.
The incident took place on Saturday in Gagwana village under the Gegal police station area and was allegedly linked to an ongoing dispute, they said.
According to police, a marriage between a woman and a man from Beer village, had ended in divorce following which she had been living at her parental home. About five months ago, the victim, identified as Jeetu (21), married the woman.
The woman's former in-laws allegedly objected to this marriage, claiming that the issue had not been settled in accordance with community norms, and that the dispute had been ongoing.
Following this, Jeetu was allegedly abducted on Saturday, held captive, and assaulted by the woman's former in-law's. He was allegedly forced to wear a garland of shoes and slippers and made to drink urine, police said.
A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, triggering outrage in the area.
Following the circulation of the video, Jeetu's family staged a protest at the Gegal police station, alleging delay in police action.
Rural Circle Officer Ramchandra Chaudhary reached the spot and assured the family of prompt action. A case was registered on Saturday evening and teams were formed to trace the accused.
Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Agarwala said nine accused, including a woman, have been arrested and the vehicles used in the crime seized.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the other absconding accused, police said.
