‘Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh each’ — BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari alleges corruption in CCTV installation in Bengal hospital post RG Kar incident

He accused another hospital of acquiring CCTV equipment at Rs 3.5 lakh a piece.

The TMC government had decided to install CCTV cameras in every state-run hospital and medical college after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 sparked nationwide outrage.

The state had approved more than Rs 150 crore to use for this purpose.

In his post, Adhikari wrote, “Justice for Abhaya or cut money for Trinamool? TMC truly deserves applause for turning a crisis into a money making opportunity!!! After the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s direction to enhance security at (West Bengal’s hospitals and medical colleges), there has been much hullabaloo made by the State and their lawyers at the top court regarding installation of CCTVs. So, CCTVs are being installed under the “Rattirer Sathi” scheme and arrangements are being made for floating Tenders by the Department of Health & Family Welfare and West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Ltd. But at what cost?”

Adhikari further wrote, “See for yourselves: Jhargram Govt Medical College & Hospital: Quantity of CCTVs to be installed – 195. Total amount: Rs. 3,22,52,923… Prafulla Chandra Sen Govt Medical College & Hospital, Arambagh: Quantity of CCTVs to be installed – 50. Total amount: Rs. 1,75,98,739…”

Reacting to the post, a senior health official said, “Webel, which is a state-run organisation, is monitoring the whole installation process. We don’t know in what circumstances and at what price these hospitals are purchasing CCTV units. We ordered Webel to check whether (the post) is correct. After getting a report, we will take necessary action.”

After Adhikari’s post, various TMC leaders, ministers and health officials The Indian Express reached out to declined to comment on the issue.