Two doctors arrested for bed-for-bribe scam

Bengaluru: Authorities of the Central Crime Branch arrested two contract doctors with BBMP as part of the bed-for-bribe scam. The doctors allegedly blocked beds in the name of Covid-19 patients who were in home isolation and tried to sell them for Rs 50,000 each.

Dr Rihan from South Zone was taken into custody and Dr Shashi Kumar from Bommanahalli Zone was kept in isolation as he was tested positive. They were picked up based on statements by two persons arrested by Jayanagar police. Netravati and Rohit Kumar were approached by police disguised as family members of Covid patients willing to pay money for hospital beds.

Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner of police (crime) said, “Two FIRs have been filed and four persons arrested. Searches were conducted in war rooms of all eight zones.” As per the information given by an investigating officer, Dr Shashi Kumar had roped in Netravati, Rohit and Dr Rihan. The officer said, “Shashi Kumar had worked as war room in-charge and coordinator in 2020. He knew how beds were reserved. In 2020, follow-up teams visited hospitals to ensure the patient in whose name the bed was booked had been admitted. This time, there’s been no follow up. The bed-for-bribe business capitalised on this loophole.”

CCB has inquired from 25 persons from different war zones. Netravati informed the police that she was offered hefty commission for selling beds.