Rs25K reward for providing info on black marketeers

Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, April 29

The district administration has announced a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for anyone giving information related to black marketing of oxygen and essential medicines in Jalandhar.

The Deputy Commissioner said Rs 25,000 cash award will be given by the district administration to any sting operation/concrete information that leads to registration of an FIR with respect to black marketing of oxygen cylinders, Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, RT-PCR overcharging or any other activity related to the Covid management. He said information can be forwarded on WhatsApp (98889-81881, 95017-99068).

The decision comes a day after owner of an agency was arrested for black marketing an oxygen cylinder for Rs 18,600. Several days ago, a doctor and his aide were also arrested for black marketing two Remdesivir vials for Rs 10,000 and 12 vials were found from the doctor’s clinic, which were without purchase bills.

Around 2,200 to 2,400 oxygen cylinders are refilled at two plants in Jalandhar and 1,900 are left for disbursal in the district. Of them, 1,884 cylinders have been rationed for distribution across 60 private hospitals and the Civil Hospital. However, hospitals have repeatedly said that the current supply was bare minimum.

Meanwhile, the district also faces an acute shortage of Remdesivir. A top administrative official himself could not secure Tocilizumab a few days ago. Thori said, “We have tried to plug leaks, have deputed officials outside plants, made nodal officers to check supply and receipt of cylinders. Yet there are rumours regarding continuing pilferage or black marketing. Since demand is expected to rise in the coming days, the step has been taken to nip the activity in the bud. We are also going to reward those who informed about oxygen being black marketed yesterday with Rs 25,000.”