By Imteshal Karim
Odisha police arrested two men from the premises of AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Tuesday for allegedly taking money from patientsrsquo relatives in exchange for securing tickets and medical consultations.
The arrests were made by Khandagiri police following a formal complaint lodged by the hospitals security department.
Touts Caught Soliciting Money from Patients Families
According to sources the accused identified as Jiten Sutar from Jajpur district and Bidhan Chalak from West Midnapore of West Bengal were reportedly working as touts inside the hospital. Police informed that they had been collecting money from families of patients under the pretext of helping them get quicker access to tickets doctors and even medical insurance services.
They were detained after hospital security observed their suspicious movements and found them engaging with visitors. Following initial questioning it was revealed that both had been involved in similar activities for several years.
ALSO READAttack on BMC official Fifth accused arrested by police
Modus Operandi and Long-term Involvement
The two individuals allegedly targeted people unfamiliar with the hospital process particularly those from out of town.
Reports stated that the duo approached families with offers of assistance falsely claiming connections with hospital staff or knowledge of internal systems. In return they collected fees to facilitate access to services that are otherwise free or based on a queue system.
Investigations suggest that the duo may have operated in this manner for an extended period though it remains unclear whether others were involved. Police have filed charges under relevant sections related to cheating and impersonation and further inquiries are underway.
ALSO READOdisha Crime Branch detects 23 fake hotel booking websites blocks 15 amid Rath Yatra festivity
Incident Shadows Recent Recognition for AIIMS Bhubaneswar
The arrests come just days after AIIMS Bhubaneswar was recognised as the second-best emerging medical college in the country by India Today and MDRA in their annual survey. The ranking highlighted the institutersquos achievements in education research and patient care.
Following the incident security at AIIMS Bhubaneswar has been tightened. Authorities are reviewing procedures to ensure better protection for patients and their families from such exploitation. Meanwhile Khandagiri police have also increased vigilance around the hospital to deter similar attempts in the future.