All Stolen Body Parts Recovered; Investigation Underway
Thiruvananthapuram: In a bizarre incident, a rag picker stole 17 medical specimens, including surgically removed body parts, that were being transported to the Pathology Department of Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH). However, all specimens were later recovered intact after the thief abandoned them upon realizing they were not waste materials but human body parts.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to the Medical College Police, the theft was reported by hospital attendant Ajayakumar, who noticed that the specimens had gone missing. These specimens were removed during surgeries and sent for pathological examination.
The theft occurred outside the pathology lab, where the ambulance driver and hospital staff had temporarily placed the sealed boxes before carrying them inside. During this time, the rag picker took the specimens, assuming them to be scrap material.
Upon discovering the gruesome contents, the rag picker abandoned the boxes on the hospital campus, leading to their prompt recovery.
No Damage to Specimens, Testing to Continue
Dr. Laila Raji, head of the Pathology Department, clarified that the theft did not occur inside the lab but on the way to it. She assured that no damage was caused to the specimens, as they were preserved in formalin and sealed in boxes.
“The specimens were not lost from within our lab. They were placed outside before being taken inside. Since they were brought from MCH, we informed the superintendent,” she said.
Action Taken, Investigation Underway
- Ajayakumar, the hospital attendant, has been suspended for dereliction of duty.
- The police have questioned the rag picker but have not taken him into custody, stating that the theft was not intentional.
- A detailed investigation is underway to ensure that such lapses do not happen again.
This unusual theft highlights the need for stricter handling protocols for medical specimens and enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
