Rowdy Sheeter Attempts to Sabotage Oxygen Supply in Children’s Ward at KGH
Accused was dismissed due to anti-social activities; sabotage had put lives of 150 babies at risk
Visakhapatnam: A major crisis was averted at King George Hospital (KGH) when a known rowdy sheeter and former employee attempted to sabotage the oxygen supply in the neonatal care unit.
The incident occurred on January 31, when Raju, allegedly under the influence of cannabis, tried to damage the oxygen plant pipes and threatened hospital staff with a knife. According to KGH Superintendent Dr Sivananda, Raju was previously a contract worker but was dismissed due to anti-social activities and reporting to work intoxicated. At the time of the incident, around 150 babies were in the ward.
DCP-2 Mary Prashanti stated that the police arrested three suspects on February 1. The primary accused, Pedagada Nuka Raju (36), has a history as a rowdy sheeter and had previously attempted to damage an oxygen valve. The second accused, Kodiboina Suresh (38), has a prior case under the NDPS Act, while the third, Pendurti Sivaji (38), was also involved. The police have booked them under Section 307 IPC (Attempt to Murder), and all three have been remanded to judicial custody.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha confirmed the arrests and announced a comprehensive security review of KGH. She stated that CCTV cameras would be installed in all government and private hospitals across the state to prevent such incidents in the future.
