A tissue morcellator with a morcelloscope makes small incisions in minimally invasive procedures to remove large masses of tissue. This equipment, worth ₹12 lakh purchased using the MP fund, is allegedly missing from the Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. The Health Department probing the matter is now doing to Dr Haris Chirakkal exactly what doctors do with the equipment; leaving cuts on the surface even while saying there is nothing to worry.

The expert committee constituted to probe Dr Haris Chirakkal's allegations of issues in infrastructure in Medical College has flagged the case of a missing morcelloscope. Dr P K Jabbar, Principal, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram and Dr Sunilkumar B S, Superintendent of the Medical College met the media on Friday, after Dr Haris had shot off a mail to the KGMCTA ( Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association) expressing concerns over authorities inspecting his room allegedly with a motive to tamper with evidence.

The Medical college officials wanted to clear the air, but they further clouded it with incomplete statements. Jabbar said that there was an inspection for missing equipment on Saturday. This search was done in all areas except the room of the Head of Department; Dr Haris. The DME, the Principal and other senior officials inspected HOD's room on Wednesday. They found the equipment which was reported missing.

However, Jabbar didn't make it sound like he actually saw it. He instead said. "Dr Tony Thomas (who is now in charge of Urology department) was with me. He showed me a small box with a label which read morcelloscope". As if to further prove his point, Jabbar turned to Dr Tony and asked during the press meet "Wasn't it how it was written?

Jabbar then said there was another inspection in the room on August 7, this time with a team of surgical experts. Here he sounded as vague as he could. "We also found another box, a bigger one. There was a bill inside the box which showed date of purchase of morcelloscope on August 2". It was done in three sentences, but was enough to cast suspicion on Dr Haris.

Dr Haris has acknowledged this saying it was partly missing but it was not a machine constantly used. While the machine is not always used, the authorities; including the Minister, frequently raise the matter. It was again demonstrated in what seemed like a hurriedly convened press meet on Friday which left more questions than answers.

When the authorities were asked if Haris is being accused of something, Dr Jabbar kept sipping water, smiled and said. "No, no, he is a good doctor. We have found something unusual and we are just probing it," he said. When Jabbar stuttered and again sipped water, Dr Sunilkumar, who was seen taking cues over phone, stepped in. "There is also an inquiry from the Collectorate on missing equipment. A photo was sent as part of investigation. This photo doesn't show what was found in the latest inspection". Then came another revelation; CCTV visuals. "It seemed like someone entered the HOD's office,". So, were the visuals analysed, when was it spotted? "There are 103 cameras, analysis takes time," Dr Sunilkumar responded.

Dr Haris, who is on leave till Friday, handed over the key to Dr Tony Thomas. This led to another question whether the visuals showed someone opening the door. "That was not clear on the visual," Dr Jabbar said. Did Dr Tony give key to someone else? "No he didn't," replied Dr Jabbar.

They also don't plan to approach police although the officials admitted that analysing CCTV takes time. KGMCTA has called for an emergency meeting in the wake of new allegations by Medical college authorities.