MGM Hospital thefts: Four mobile phones, Rs 10,000 stolen in six hours; CCTV captures suspect
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 21: A series of thefts at MGM Medical College and Hospital (MGM Hospital) in Dimna has once again…
MGMCH Jamshedpur
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 21: A series of thefts at MGM Medical College and Hospital (MGM Hospital) in Dimna has once again raised serious concerns over the safety and security of patients and their attendants. In just six hours between late Sunday night and early Monday morning, four mobile phones and Rs 10,000 in cash were stolen from different wards of the hospital. CCTV footage has reportedly captured a youth suspected of carrying out the thefts, prompting police to launch a search to identify and arrest him.
According to hospital sources, Rupali Mahato of Nutandih village in Bodam block, who is admitted to the third-floor gynaecology ward, lost her mobile phone worth around Rs 19,000 at about 12.30 am on Monday. Her husband, Dulal Mahato, lodged a complaint with the hospital superintendent’s office, following which CCTV footage was examined. The footage reportedly shows a young man entering the ward, picking up the phone and leaving the premises.
In another incident, Mansa Gop of Maisara village under Ichagarh police station said he had placed his mobile phone on a washroom slab on the hospital’s ground floor while washing his face at around 6 am on Monday. Within moments, a youth allegedly fled with the handset. The phone cover also contained Rs 10,000 in cash, which was stolen.
Gop said his wife has been undergoing treatment at MGM Hospital since July 15. Following the theft, he was left without money even for food and had to borrow Rs 500 to meet his immediate expenses.
Meanwhile, Sonia Dalmia, wife of patient Sanjay Dalmia of Bistupur, also lost her mobile phone from a fourth-floor ward. The device had been left on charge when it was stolen. CCTV footage recorded at around 12.07 am reportedly shows the same suspect entering the ward and leaving with the handset. Police suspect the youth may be linked to the other thefts as well.
Another mobile phone theft was also reported informally by a patient’s family, although no written complaint has been lodged in that case.
The repeated thefts have triggered panic among patients and their attendants, many of whom have demanded stronger security arrangements, increased night patrolling and stricter monitoring of visitors inside MGM Hospital.
Officials at MGM police station said complaints have been registered and efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused using CCTV footage.
