Six Individuals Arrested for Stealing Frozen Plasma Worth Rs 12 Lakh from AIIMS Bhopal

Police have arrested six individuals involved in the theft of frozen plasma from AIIMS Bhopal. The stolen plasma, valued at Rs 12 lakh, was recovered following a report filed by the institute's security officer.

Police have apprehended six individuals linked to the theft of frozen plasma from AIIMS Bhopal. Authorities recovered 1,123 units of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), valued at Rs 12 lakh, from the suspects. The theft was initially reported by AIIMS security officer Gyanendra Prasad on September 29, leading to a First Information Report at Baghsewania police station.

FFP is derived from the liquid part of whole blood and is crucial for treating conditions with low blood clotting factors or insufficient blood proteins. It also serves as a replacement fluid in plasma exchange procedures, according to an expert.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Following technical leads, Baghsewania police station in-charge Amit Soni's team identified Ankit Kelkar as the main suspect. Additional Deputy Commissioner Gautam Solanki stated that Kelkar was arrested on October 4. Kelkar, aged 26, worked at the AIIMS blood bank through an external agency and admitted to the crime.

Kelkar confessed to collaborating with Amit Jatav, 25, and Lucky Pathak, 30, in the theft. They allegedly stole 1,150 packets of FFP plasma between September 18 and 27. Their plan was to sell it to pharmaceutical companies but they were caught before executing it.

Further Arrests and Seizures

The police also detained Lucky's elder brother Deepak Pathak, 35, who had connections with various blood banks across states. Sham Badgujar, 27, and Karan Chavan, 25, were also arrested. The authorities seized 1,123 units of plasma worth approximately Rs 11.72 lakh along with Rs 8.57 lakh in cash and a deep freezer valued at Rs 27,000.

Plasma is essential for producing Alvovin for burn patients and is used by pharmaceutical companies for various medicines. Ankit Kelkar had been employed at AIIMS Bhopal's blood bank for three years and orchestrated the theft with Amit Jatav, Lucky Pathak, and Deepak Pathak.

The investigation continues as police suspect more individuals might be involved in this racket. Efforts are underway to identify additional suspects connected to the case.

With inputs from PTI