Doctor Claims Deliberate Tampering with Evidence
Dr. Haris Chirakkal, Head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, has accused senior officials of trying to implicate him in the controversy over missing medical equipment. In a letter to the Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA), he alleged deliberate evidence tampering and said his office was sealed with an additional lock to restrict his access.
Equipment Earlier Declared Missing Found During Inspections
According to Dr. Haris, the Morcelloscope — previously reported missing — was located during inspections by multiple officials. On Tuesday, Medical College Principal Dr. P.K. Jabbar inspected and photographed the equipment. The following day, a larger team including the principal, superintendent, and biomedical department members conducted further checks.
Concerns Over Sensitive Records and Possible Manipulation
Dr. Haris stated that his office contains crucial documents such as stock registers, attendance records, examination papers, and confidential mark lists, all now at risk of tampering. “During the inquiry, a personal attack is being mounted against me,” he claimed.
Background: Public Criticism Over Equipment Shortage
Earlier, Dr. Haris publicly criticised the shortage of surgical equipment at the state-run facility, saying surgeries were being delayed or cancelled, forcing poor patients to fund their own procedures. His social media post drew public attention and led to a government inquiry, with a four-member expert committee tasked with submitting recommendations.
Show Cause Notice from Government
Following the controversy, the Director of Medical Education issued Dr. Haris a show cause notice for allegedly violating the Kerala Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1960, by criticising the government and bringing it into disrepute.
