Delhi government looting oxygen tanker, alleges Haryana minister Anil Vij
“We are being forced to give our oxygen to Delhi. First, we’ll complete our needs, then give to others,” he alleged.
FollowAmid rising Covid-19 cases and shortage of medicinal oxygen in several states, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has accused the Delhi government of stealing oxygen from a tanker that was on its way to Faridabad hospitals on Tuesday. To avoid any more such alleged incidents, Vij has issued instructions that all oxygen tankers will now be escorted by state police force.
“Yesterday, one of our O2 tankers was looted by Delhi Govt that was going to Faridabad. From now, I've ordered police protection for all tankers,” the minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. He added that if state governments engage in this kind of activity, the health infrastructure will suffer.
Anil Vij, who also holds the portfolio of state’s home affairs, reiterated that Haryana has a sufficient supply of oxygen and it is willing to send it to Delhi but only after meeting the state’s own demand.
“We are being forced to give our oxygen to Delhi. First, we’ll complete our needs, then give to others,” he alleged. There has been no reaction so far to Vij's allegations from the Delhi government of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on Tuesday urged the Centre "with folded hands" to provide medical oxygen to Delhi and his deputy Manish Sisodia had said there will be chaos in the city if the stocks are not replenished by Wednesday morning. ICU beds in Delhi hospitals were also filling up fast amid a surge in coronavirus infections.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police on Wednesday arranged 11 oxygen cylinders for a private hospital in the city's Janakpuri area where 32 Covid-19 patients are admitted. A senior police officer said a distress call was received from Amarleela Hospital around 9 am saying oxygen stock at the facility was nearly exhausted.
