Vellore Medical College Staffer Suspended Following Bribery Allegations in Mortuary Case

Disciplinary Action Follows Public Outcry

Hospital management at the Government Medical College Hospital in Vellore issued a suspension order against mortuary staff member R. Kannan on Friday. The decision surfaced after a video recording showing the employee demanding a ₹2,000 bribe to process a deceased individual for postmortem gained traction on social media platforms. The incident, which triggered significant public condemnation, prompted an immediate administrative response.

Tribal Resident Targeted for Cash Demand

The internal investigation identifies B. Velu, a tribal resident from Palambattu village located on the Peechamanthai hillock, as the individual targeted by the bribe request. Velu had approached the hospital to facilitate a postmortem for his relative, K. Saravanan, who passed away in their village several days prior. Health department officials confirmed that Kannan allegedly made the cash demand as a prerequisite for moving the body through the required medical procedures.

Official Probe and Administrative Mandate

The suspension order was finalized by Hospital Dean Rohini Devi following specific directives from District Collector P.S. Leela Alex. While the immediate removal from duty is now in effect, hospital authorities have indicated that a comprehensive probe into the matter continues. The investigation aims to determine the extent of these practices within the facility's mortuary services.

Source: The Hindu — National