Embezzlement finger at dental school storekeeper

The alleged misappropriation of surgical instruments by a former storekeeper has cost the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) a loss of around Rs 7 lakh.

The alleged misappropriation of surgical instruments by a former storekeeper has cost the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) a loss of around Rs 7 lakh.

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MAIDS authorities have lodged a complaint at the IP Estate police station in connection with the alleged misappropriation of stock at the institute’s storeroom.

A case under Section 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered and a probe launched, police said.

According to an investigating officer, the alleged misappropriation came to light over a month ago when the administrative department at MAIDS smelt a rat in the handling of surgical instruments.

The report of an internal inquiry pointed the finger of suspicion at the former storekeeper, Sunil Kumar Bohat, a pharmacist currently working at a private hospital in Janakpuri.

Devesh Chandra Srivastava, the additional CP (central), said the complaint was lodged by a former registrar of MAIDS.

“According to the complaint, the former storekeeper had embezzled funds while handling suture material, which are used for surgical purpose. He had made an entry of 300 boxes of suture stock against the the purchase of 302 boxes, causing a loss of around R7 lakh to the government. We have registered a case and are investigating the allegations. Further action will be taken accordingly,” said Srivastava.

The MAIDS authorities will submit their report to the health department once the inquiry is over. The investigating officer said former storekeeper Bohat would be served a notice to appear for questioning.

Bohat is a resident of Narela in outer Delhi and his job in MAIDS was his first after his education.