In a troubling development, Ankit Kelkar, an outsourced employee at the blood bank of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, has been implicated in a case of plasma theft. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect pilfered over 20 units of plasma over a period of six weeks, with CCTV footage capturing his actions. Authorities are concerned that Kelkar may have been involved in a larger scheme to sell the stolen plasma to private hospitals in Bhopal and its surrounding areas. Following the incident, police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against him, but he remains at large.
Digital Desk, New Delhi. The alarming incident involving Ankit Kelkar, an outsourced worker at the esteemed AIIMS blood bank, has come to the forefront. Surveillance footage has confirmed that Kelkar was engaged in the illicit act of stealing plasma.
Investigations initiated by the management have uncovered that the accused managed to make off with more than 20 units of plasma within just a month and a half. There are growing suspicions regarding the existence of a significant blood trafficking ring operating in the region. It is believed that Kelkar, potentially in collaboration with accomplices, was selling the stolen plasma at inflated prices in hospitals located in Bhopal and nearby areas.
Plasma Discovered in Accused’s Possession
On September 28, security personnel at AIIMS became suspicious of Kelkar and detained him. During a search of his belongings, several units of plasma were uncovered. However, he managed to flee the scene amidst the commotion. In the aftermath of the incident, the management promptly filed a police complaint, but Kelkar has since gone underground. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the adequacy of security measures in place at AIIMS.
Prevalence of Plasma Black Market
It is important to note that multiple instances of plasma black marketing have emerged in the state. For example, in Gwalior, law enforcement apprehended a man named Ajay Tyagi, who was found to be supplying adulterated plasma to medical facilities. Similarly, there have been reports from Indore regarding exorbitant charges being levied for plasma, further underscoring the issue.
Understanding Plasma
Plasma is the liquid component of blood, characterized by its light yellow appearance. It constitutes approximately 55 percent of the total blood volume and is comprised of about 90 percent water, along with essential proteins, hormones, and enzymes. Plasma plays a crucial role in treating severe medical conditions, including trauma, major surgeries, liver diseases, thalassemia, hemophilia, and certain types of cancer. This vital fluid is thus deemed indispensable for saving lives.
