Nalkheda MLA Rana Vikram Singh talking to journalists on Sunday

Nalkheda (Agar/Malwa district, Madhya Pradesh): Local MLA Rana Vikram Singh on Sunday said he suspects a foul play in the purchases of materials bought from MLA fund to combat Covid-19 in Susner and showed bills to journalists at a press conference.

He alleged that lakhs of rupees have been misappropriated in purchase of medical equipment. He said instead of digital x-ray machines, ordinary machines were purchased at prices above market rate by the officials.

“Besides, masks, sanitisers, infrared thermometers, pulse oximeter, disposable face masks, oxygen flow meter, sanitizer spray machines were purchased at two to three times above the market price,” he added.

“There is also a possibility of irregularities in purchase of oxygen cylinders bought from Sun Rise International Medical Indore from MLA fund. Jumbo oxygen cylinders were to be purchased but small oxygen cylinders were purchased. Oxygen cylinder per piece was purchased for Rs 10,500 plus 12 per cent GST, whereas it is available in the market between Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000,” Singh said.

Singh said he has complained to district collector in this regard. In a day or two, I will meet district collector and place all the papers before him. “The chief minister and the health minister will also be apprised of the matter,” he added.

When contacted, Chief Medical and Health Officer of Agar Malwa Dr Samandar Singh Malviya has refuted all the allegations saying that equipment were not easily available then and that is why they had to purchase at high prices.