Bengaluru: Oxygen cylinder thieves arrested, sold Rs 700 worth for Rs 5000

After the recent incident of two deaths at a private hospital in Bengaluru North near Yelahanka New Town due to oxygen crisis and irregularity in hospitals, the CCB police based on the tip arrested two youths in an oxygen smuggling case. As per the police, one of the accused used to work as an operation theatre technician at a private hospital and on the pretext of getting the oxygen cylinders for hospital patients, he used to sell it to others.

In a clear case of 'fence eating crop' a private hospital staff on the pretext of oxygen supply to the hospital used to route some other places for monetary benefits.

The Central Crime Branch, Bengaluru that was put on high alert following some hospitals and touts looting patients and their relatives during a pandemic, through their network got the tip about possible oxygen cylinders smuggling in Bengaluru outskirts.

CCB police said that Syed Saqib, working at the operation theater, realized the importance of oxygen. And on the pretext of getting oxygen cylinders for the hospital patients, used to get additional stocks and load in a private vehicle and sell it at exorbitant rates to others.

Per liter of oxygen costs Rs 700, but the accused quoted Rs 5000. At the time of arrest at Yelahanka New Town, the accused had hidden 5 medical oxygen cylinders in the vehicle. Along with his associate Arun Kumar, a driver was also arrested for helping in transporting the same.

A case has been registered against the accused and investigation is on.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona