Vijayawada: The Vijayawada police arrested three doctors on Monday belong to Ramesh hospital, in connection with the Hotel Swarna Palace fire accident, which is treating Covid- 19 patients.

The police also seized some documents; the Ramesh Hospital doctor P. Ramesh was not available at office or his home. Police are on the lookout for Dr. Ramesh, owner for Ramesh Hospital. Dr. Ramesh has come under the scanner after ten patients died in Sunday’s fire at Hotel Swarna Palace, a Covid- 19 facility leased by his hospital. The hospital and hospital management have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

According to ACP N. Surya Chandra Rao, Dr. Ramesh switched off his mobile phone and is absconding. As the head of the hospital, his role is being investigated. The main accused arrested in the case, Dr. Rajagopal Rao, is Chief Operating officer. He secured permissions from the District Medical & Health officer for Covid- 19 care centre. Ramesh Hospital General Manager and In-charge of Hotel Swarna Palace centre Dr. K. Sudarashan and the night Manager P. Venkatesh also arrested.

The Hotel Swarna Palace that the hospital leased has no fire NOC, no emergency equipment, no fire exit. It is a clear case of culpability, said ACP. Meanwhile, Dr. Ramesh released a video blaming the accident on the management of Swarna Palace. Short circuit has resulted in a fire mishap at 5 am, he said in the video clip.