Black fungus injections racket accused on run

The efforts of Cyberabad police to nab Dr Obul Reddy, general physician at the ESI Hospital in Erragadda and prime accused in the black marketing of injections meant for treatment of black fungus, are turning out as exercises in futility. It’s been more than 10 days since police busted the racket but he remains elusive.

The accused diverted injections used in treatment of black fungus patients at ESI Hospital to medical shops to earn a fast buck. Police searches at his relatives’ houses in the city and at his native place proved futile.

The Special Operations Team (SOT) of Madhapur busted a black marketing gang on June 3 and arrested three people, including two medical shop owners. They

DURING THE investigation the role of Dr Obul Reddy, alias Balarami Reddy, came to light. Further probe revealed that Dr Obul Reddy was misusing his authority and was taking away amphotericin B liposome, ceftroiaxone and tazobactam injections and selling them to medical shops.

seized 45 amphotericin B liposome injections, and three ceftroiaxone and tazobactam injections.

During the investigation the role of Dr Obul Reddy, alias Balarami Reddy, came to light. Further probe revealed that Dr Obul Reddy was misusing his authority and was taking away amphotericin B lipsome, ceftroiaxone and tazobactam injections and selling them to medical shops.

“We have issued a lookout notice. Dr Obul Reddy went underground after we busted the racket. He has switched off his mobiles. He fled from his house along with his family members. We have instructed the hospital authorities to inform us as and when he comes to the hospital,” said a Cyberabad police officer, adding that two teams were working to nab him.

“We have intensified surveillance at his workplace and all the possible places where he can reach out for help. We will nab him in a few days,” he said.

The accused were selling amphotericin B liposome injections for `45,000 a vial as against the maximum retail price of `7,858.

Meanwhile, the three arrested medical shop owners Sadagari Vikas Reddy and Papishetti Sreedhar, and Chirra Nagaraju, a private employee, have been sent to judicial custody.