East Midnapore, 25 August (H.S.): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday arrested three laboratory technicians of Panskura SSH in connection with the alleged illegal sale of blood to patients and their attendants.

A tout had been arrested a few days ago for allegedly selling blood illegally to patients and their attendants. During the investigation, an alleged nexus between the tout and some other touts and the three laboratory technicians came to light.

According to the investigation, the touts obtained blood from the blood bank and allegedly made payments totalling around Rs 1.40 lakh to the three laboratory technicians through UPI transactions over a relatively short period.

The investigation also revealed that the touts used to purchase blood donor cards from various clubs and organisations conducting blood donation camps. They allegedly paid around Rs 100 to Rs 150 per card. Using these donor cards, the touts were able to obtain blood from the blood bank free of cost.

The blood was subsequently allegedly sold to patients and their attendants. The money collected from patients and their family members was allegedly shared between the touts and the laboratory technicians.

Based on the findings of the investigation, the ACB arrested the three laboratory technicians of Panskura SSH. Further investigation is underway into the alleged nexus between the hospital employees and the touts and the broader network involved in the alleged illegal sale of blood.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey