Theni Govt hospital dean suspended over bribery charges

Chennai: In response to a viral video of the doctor accepting a bribe while on duty, the Dean of Theni Government Medical College and Hospital has been suspended from his post by Tamil Nadu Health Minister M Subramanian on Sunday.  

There was an allegation against the dean of the Government Medical College for accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakh from canteen contractor Maarisamy over the provision of drinking water connections. Following this, a  video was also released on social media that went viral. 

The secretly recorded video showed Maarisamy requesting the dean to provide a drinking water supply in the college canteen by offering a hefty amount for him on the table. He said that he was unable to sleep due to stress since his business was going down. Therefore, he visited the dean with the remaining amount as he can run the business only with the dean’s help.

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Maarisamy could be heard saying, "Please provide water connections to all four canteens that are running inside the premises of the Theni Medical College and Hospital. We are unable to run the canteen. You had demanded 10 lakh rupees; I have already given you 6 lakh. I have brought in the remaining 4 lakhs. Please take it,"

Taking note of the video, an enquiry was conducted in this regard by the Joint Director of Health and Rural Services in Theni district on orders from the Minister which revealed that the dean had accepted a bribe from Maarisamy and the allegation was proven to be true.

As a result, the health minister decided to initiate departmental action against him and the Dean has been temporarily suspended. In addition, the Minister also ordered a thorough investigation into the bribery charges on Monday.

Meanwhile, the dean refused the allegation and informed The Republic World, "All these bribe allegations are completely false. I have not taken money from anyone. From the day I took charge, I understood that these canteens inside the premises are not functioning properly and are violating the rules."

"I found out that they have installed a submersible motor and are stealing the water. In fact, I had directed the contractor to meet the Residence Medical officer to sort this out. But he opposed it. Therefore, I took disciplinary action against them".

"If the contractor's allegations are true why did he not move to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and file a complaint against me. This video was just to take revenge on me that they have come up with such a morphed video to damage my name and reputation. There is absolutely no truth in this," he added. 

Also read- Chennai Inspector Suspended For Taking Rs 12 Lakh Bribe From Two Doctors In POCSO Case