Housekeeping Staff and Technician Arrested for SMCH Dialysis Unit Vandalism: Police Probe Middleman Nexus

In a major breakthrough in the vandalism case at the Dialysis Centre of Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) on Sunday night (August 10), Cachar Police on Thursday (August 14) arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the incident. From the Cachar Police’s preliminary investigation report, it looks like an insider job.

According to Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Numal Mahatta, the accused have been identified as 19-year-old Samir Uddin Ansari of Lala, Hailakandi, employed in the hospital’s housekeeping department, and 28-year-old Alamgir Mia from Tripura, a technician with the Apollo Dialysis Unit. Police said both admitted to damaging the equipment.

“Eight dialysis machines were damaged using iron rods. They also destroyed a computer and a printer. The culprits knew the CCTV blind spots and exploited the absence of night guards on the third floor to carry out the act,” SSP Mahatta said.

The vandalism left 9 of the 14 German-imported dialysis machines inoperable, severely affecting treatment for patients. Investigators believe the incident may be linked to a middleman racket allegedly operating inside SMCH. “From our primary investigation, we have found indications of a nexus charging poor patients for dialysis. A dispute over the distribution of bribe money might have triggered the vandalism. We are probing every angle and considering patient and public complaints,” Mahatta added.

The two accused have been remanded to police custody for further investigation. Police have assured a free and fair probe to bring all those involved to justice.