Theft caught on CCTV: Mobile phones stolen from sleeping patients at UP Hospital

Budaun: A theft inside a private hospital ward in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun has raised fresh concerns over patient safety after CCTV footage allegedly showed a man stealing mobile phones from sleeping patients.

The incident took place at New Jeevandan Hospital and has prompted a police investigation and renewed scrutiny of security arrangements in healthcare facilities.

According to reports, the accused entered the patient ward with his face covered, apparently to conceal his identity. CCTV footage reportedly shows him moving carefully through the ward while ensuring that the patients remained asleep, reports India Today.

The footage reportedly shows the suspect removing mobile phones kept beside the patients. Throughout the incident, he is seen remaining alert, repeatedly looking around the ward before moving to another bed. After allegedly taking phones from multiple patients, he exited the hospital ward.

The incident came to wider public attention after the CCTV clip was circulated on social media, triggering questions over how an outsider was able to access a patient ward and carry out the alleged theft without being stopped.

Responding to one of the posts on 'X' regarding the incident, Budaun Police confirmed that an FIR had been registered at the Civil Lines police station. The police stated that further investigation into the case is currently underway.

Investigators are examining the CCTV footage as part of efforts to identify and trace the accused. No further details regarding the suspect's identity or recovery of the stolen mobile phones have been disclosed so far.

While the investigation continues, the case has drawn attention to the need for adequate surveillance and access control in hospital premises to help safeguard vulnerable patients and their belongings. Authorities are expected to rely on the CCTV evidence as they proceed with the investigation into the alleged theft.