Meant for checking thefts, CCTV stolen

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, September 11

Officials at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital were shocked to find that a CCTV camera installed to keep a vigil on the store, where oxygen cylinders meant for life support were kept, had been stolen. The purpose of installing the camera was to check theft of cylinders. 

Sources at the hospital said the authorities had come to know that some employees at the unit are taking out cylinders in the night which were then loaded onto private vehicles. “Officials wanted to check the CCTV footage to know about the suspicious movement near the place. They, however, found that the camera was missing and nothing had been recorded,” said the source. 

It has been learnt that officials have gone through the previous recordings and needle of suspicion is being pointed on an employee. The hospital has engaged a private firm for the supply of oxygen on a regular basis. It is estimated that every month, a hefty amount is being paid to the firm. 

Officials said a committee to investigate the matter had been constituted. “We are looking into the circumstances in which the camera went missing and also if this was a deliberate attempt to thwart off security of the place,” said medical superintendent Dr JS Kular. 

Thefts have been reported at the hospital earlier, too. The security at the hospital was also increased after recent instances of misbehaviour with doctors, especially with women on night duty.