Security measures at Vani Vilas still not capable of stopping baby-lifters

Eight months have passed since a case of kidnapping of a one-day-old infant was reported at the Vani Vilas Hospital in the city. Following the incident, hospital authorities assured heightened security within the premises, by implementing a string of advanced measures. But a reality check by DNA revealed that all the promises were just false.

The then medical superintendent, OS Siddappa had promised to set up advanced security systems  to avoid the occurrence of any such instance in future. The hospital authorities claimed to implement with immediate effect, for the first time in the state, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, similar to the one used in shopping malls.

They also vowed to increase the number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in and around the maternity ward, setting up of a desk to monitor visitors, system to electronically monitor those entering the hospital and the number of vigilance guards.

“We are yet to decide on the software for implementing the new system. This will be done in the coming days,” said a top official of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), who did not wish to be named.

However, DNA found out that none of these measures were in place after some of BMCRI’s representatives were barred from entering the maternity ward by the authorities.

On September 8, 2010, the kidnapping incident of the one-day-old infant born to construction workers Nagaraj and Lalitha from Raichur rocked Bangalore.

Getting into damage control mode, the hospital authorities denied any role in the theft and announced that security will be beefed up immediately.

Ironically, the Victoria Hospital police, who are investigating the case, are yet to identify the culprit who had stolen the baby.