Acting Principal SKIMS Medical College Absent from Duties Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

KNB News Desk

Srinagar 13 November (KNB): The acting Principal SKIMS Medical College and Hospital Dr Riyaz Ahmad Untoo has left Kashmir and has been found roaming in corridors of Civil Secretariat Jammu, seeking extension of his services, Sources said.

SKIMS hospital Bemina, which is a designated tier-one Covid-19 hospital and has been in the news for many years for backdoor appointments and rampant corrupt practices, has been left headless amidst raging CoVID-19 pandemic.

Senior Official on the basis anonymity said Untoo is lobbying for his extension and is seen roaming around corridors of Civil Secretariat Jammu.

“The government has made it clear that no retiring officer will be given extension without the approval of higher authority,” He further said.

Another official on same condition said, “Untoo is struggling hard to get extension because he wants to hide his crimes and suppress the evidences he has left behind in recruitment and procurement scams.”

Officials in SKIMS said Untoo was planning to travel to Delhi without presenting any formal notice to the concerned authorities.

“Untoo has travelled to Jammu and will head towards Delhi without giving any notice to authorities,” they said.

The weather forecast has already indicated the possibility of snowfall, so restrictions on air travel as well as road travel are imminent.

Officials said leaving the institution at this time is criminal when Untoo’s approval is needed to start heating systems and clear interior roads in case of water logging for the convenience of patients.

“All of us are aware about heavy snowfall has been predicted this weekend in Kashmir, and what concerns us is that Untoo left the institution without any meeting to discuss the plans, if in any case he could not return to Kashmir. He has left this institution, his duty towards all the important departments, students and staff in delusional state with his irresponsible move,” officials at SKIMS said.

They said, “We are fighting a pandemic. The Covid cases are rising and Untoo has gone to Jammu to please his bosses for extension. The contrast here, quite clearly explains the irresponsible mentality of the incharge principal (Untoo).”

After repeated attempts, Dr Untoo didn’t respond to the phone calls. (KNB)