Helping patients: Ludhiana CP asks SHOs to verify credentials of persons collecting money

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 22

As several groups are collecting money for helping patients admitted at various hospitals in the city, Police Commissioner (CP) Rakesh Agrawal on the suspicion of some active notorious gang behind an alleged racket has asked all Station House Officers (SHOs) to verify their credentials.

Some employed on daily wages

Some persons have formed NGOs to collect donations in the name of patients. They have employed persons on daily wages for the purpose. Not all NGOs are fake. If the police inquire deeply, some fake NGOs can be exposed. — A source

“It has been brought to our notice that some persons are collecting money to help needy patients. But, they don’t have details of patients. We are keeping a eye on them,” the CP said.

“Such persons should get a letter from hospital with the name of patient for whom they are collecting money,” the CP told Tribune.

“I have seen some videos of persons standing outside hospitals, around roundabouts and on various roads. They were carrying photographs of patients, name of hospitals and boxes to receive donation along with bank account numbers,” the CP added.

“We only have suspicion that some persons collecting money may not be credible. The collected money might not be reaching patients. We have started a survey to check the credence of such persons. All such persons may not be wrong. Some are definitely doing good service,” the CP said.

“Persons can collect money for the needy and poor patient. They should have an authorisation letter of the hospital concerned where the patient is admitted else the police will not allow any such activity,” the CP added.

“I have directed all Station House Officers to check their area if any such suspected racket is going on,” the CP added. “If any fake person is found during checking, SHOs have been told to take immediate action against him/her,” the CP said.