ESI scam accused attempts suicide

The accused in the case of the Insurance Medical Services scam, ESI joint director, Warangal, Dr. K. Padma, allegedly attempted suicide by consuming some pills at the Special Prison for Women at Chanchalguda on Saturday. The woman was taken to Osmania General Hospital for treatment, where the doctors declared her condition as stable and had put her under observation.

Dr. K. Padma was arrested by the AntiCorruption Bureau officials on September 26 for her alleged role in purchasing the medicines at the prices higher than those mentioned in the rate contract and benefited private persons. The ACB arrested a total of 16 persons in the case along with Padma.

At around 6. 30 pm on Saturday, Padma reportedly consumed some medicines and fell ill. The prison authorities who came to know about this through the other prisoners, have rushed Padma immediately to the prison hospital. She was admitted to Osmania General Hospital for treatment.

About two days ago, Padma fell sick and she was given some medicines at the prison hospital. The officials are suspecting that she would have consumed the medicines more than the prescribed limit.

Telangana state prisons director-general Sandeep Shandilya said: “Padma fell ill in the evening. She vomitted and after initial treatment at the prison hospital, she was admitted at OGH. She is currently under observation and will be shifted to the prison, as her condition is stable.”

The DG said the police would enquire about what the prisoner has consumed and how she was possessing something other than those provided by the authorities. It was learned that on Saturday noon, Padma’s family members have visited the prison and spoke to her.

Responding to a query, the DG said: “It was a normal meeting where the prisoner will be sitting on one side of the glass and visitors on the other side.”