Dean of Tamil Nadu govt medical college suspended after viral video shows him ‘accepting bribe’

Dr Meenakshisundaram had allegedly demanded a bribe from a contractor, who ran a canteen on the premises, for providing a drinking water connection.

Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian Sunday issued an order suspending the Dean of Theni Government Medical College and Hospital after a video of the latter accepting a bribe went viral on social media.

Dr Meenakshisundaram, the Dean, had allegedly demanded a bribe from canteen contractor Maarisamy for providing him with a drinking water connection.

According to a statement issued by the minister, following reports that Dr Meenakshisundaram had accepted a bribe from the contractor, the Joint Director of Health and Rural Services in Theni district was directed to visit the canteen and conduct a probe.

“Based on the inquiry, it was proven that Meenakshisundaram received a bribe from the canteen contractor. The health minister decided to initiate departmental action against him…the Dean has been temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

A couple of days ago, a video went viral in which Dr Meenakshisundaram was purportedly seen talking to a person with some currency notes placed before him on a table. In the video, the other person was heard saying that they can run the business only with the dean’s help.

“I can talk only to you sir… who else can I approach? Provide us the drinking water connection. You asked for 10 (Rs 10 lakh), I have given you six (Rs 6 lakh) and three (Rs 3 lakh) is here. What else should I do?” the other person was heard saying in the clip. He added that it was becoming difficult to do business and the stress was affecting his sleep.

The dean has reportedly refuted the allegations. Attempts to reach Dr Meenakshisundaram for a comment proved unsuccessful.