Illegal skeleton trade exposed in SKMCH

A media sting operation has allegedly unearthed illegal trade in skeletons of unidentified persons in the government-run Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) here for hefty prices.
The hospital in the largest in north Bihar and the alleged sting operation has claimed that the illegal sale of skeletons of unburnt bodies of unidentified people was carried out by private 'safai karamcharis' for Rs 8,000 each.
It reportedly brought to light that the bodies of such persons were not burnt but after removing muscles and skin, the skelton was preserved for the illegal trade.
The sting was allegedly conducted yesterday and its team members entered into a deal with one such safai karamchari and handed over some advance money for purchase of three skeltons, the rate for which was settled at Rs 20,000 after bargaining.

After giving the advance, they were shown a skeleton kept at roof of a toilet opposite the post-mortem room of the hospital, the team claimed.
The men carrying out the sting operation did not take delivery immediately and left the place saying they would return with the rest of the cash latter. After this they allegedly received calls on their phone to come with Rs 19,500 and take the three skeltons.

There is a committee at SKMCH for carrying out last rites of unidentified dead persons and as per provision a policeman is mandated to be present at the time of conducting last rites of an unidentified body.

The alleged expose reveals that the last rites of such unknown persons were falsely entered in the register.
Senior SKMCH officials refused to speak on the issue.
Muzaffarpur civil surgeon Lalita Singh said the matter would be probed. "It is a grave issue and I will get it probed after talking to authorities of SKMCH ," she told PTI.