Health worker runs with Tk 2.58cr Covid test fees

A medical technologist of Khulna General Hospital misappropriated around Tk 2.58 crore, collected for testing Covid-19, finds a probe committee, led by the civil surgeon of Khulna.

On September 27, the committee asked the Anti-Corruption Commission to take steps against the technologist.

And it took 51 days for the ACC to file a case against the technologist, Prakash Kumar Das, and meantime, he fled.

According to findings of the five-member probe body, led by Civil Surgeon Niaz Mohammad, Prakash was tasked with collecting Covid-19 test fees.

A total of Tk 4.24 crore was collected between July 2020 and July 2021. Of the amount, only Tk 1.66 crore was deposited to the exchequer.

"He didn't deposit the remaining Tk 2.58 core and embezzled it," reads the FIR.

Seeking anonymity, a probe committee member said though Prakash had collected fees from people, but he registered only a few names.

The body was formed on August 22 as the administration became suspicious over poor fee collection.

The civil surgeon office informed the higher authorities of their findings. Upon their approval, they filed a general diary with Khulna Police Station on September 27.

The following day, the civil surgeon office lodged a complaint with ACC's local office in Khulna.

Sources said the ACC's local office forwarded it to its headquarters on September 28 for approval.

Yesterday, the ACC lodged a case under section 409/420 of the Penal Code and 5(2) of The Prevention of Corruption Act-194 for cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal misconduct.

Contacted, ACC Director General (Investigation-2) Zakir Hossain said it is difficult to comment over the delay instantly.

"A charge sheet will be given soon," he added.