In a brazen act that jeopardized critical medical infrastructure, batteries essential for the operation of the oxygen plant at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Trichy were stolen earlier this week. This incident marks the latest in a troubling series of thefts plaguing the premier government healthcare facility.
Teenager Nabbed for Critical Theft
Trichy police, acting on a swift investigation, arrested a 19-year-old identified as A Siva from Edamalaipatti Pudur in connection with the crime. The arrest was made on Wednesday, following a three-day search operation. The theft itself occurred late on the night of December 12, when the accused allegedly entered the hospital premises and made off with four batteries valued at approximately ₹1 lakh.
The stolen batteries were taken from two crucial locations within the hospital complex: the main power room and, most alarmingly, the area housing the Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) plant. A hospital source emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the theft from the LMO plant was particularly concerning as the plant is vital for supplying life-saving oxygen to patients.
CCTV Footage and a Habual Offender
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by 53-year-old junior engineer K Udhayakumar on December 13. Investigators relied on CCTV footage provided by the hospital administration to identify and subsequently apprehend the suspect. Police sources revealed that the accused, A Siva, is suspected to be a habitual battery thief. Of the four stolen batteries, two have been successfully recovered by the police. The accused has been remanded in judicial custody until December 30.
Recurring Security Lapses and Promised Upgrades
This event has once again cast a spotlight on the persistent security vulnerabilities at MGMGH. Reports have previously highlighted a range of thefts at the hospital, including:
- Two-wheelers and mobile phones from attendants near the maternal ward.
- Copper tubes weighing around 1kg from an isolation ward.
The battery theft adds a dangerous new dimension to this list, directly threatening life-support systems.
In response to the latest incident, a senior hospital official acknowledged the need for enhanced security measures. The official noted that the CCTV footage which led to the arrest came from cameras installed only recently. "In the coming days, we will intensify it," the official stated, referring to the surveillance network. Sources indicate that over 200 cameras are currently installed across the hospital premises, but coverage and monitoring are being reviewed.
The arrest brings temporary relief but underscores an urgent need for a permanent and robust security solution at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital to protect its assets and, more importantly, the well-being of its patients.
