The Delhi Police raided two popular food joints in the nation capital at the famous Khan Market on Friday. Over 100 oxygen concentrators used for COVID treatment were recovered from the spot.
Sources reveal 96 oxygen concentrators extracted from the Khan Chacha Restaurant, the most famous kebab joint in the Delhi, 9 were recovered from Town Hall restaurant, a Pan-Asian cuisine expert in the Khan market. According to the police, these oxygen units were sold in the black market. It is reported that both outlets are linked to Navneet Kalra, the alleged black marketer of oxygen concentrators in Delhi.
The South Delhi Police alone seized 524 oxygen concentrators as stated by DCP South Atul Thakur. According to him, Mr Kalra and his men used to import concentrators from abroad, mainly from China. “Original price of each concentrator is between Rs 16,000-22000. But they were selling it anywhere from Rs50000-70000,” he said. Estimates show that they used to take orders online and quote triple the price and have sold nearly 50 so far. WhatsApp Chats of the accused have been recovered which disclose negotiation with the clients.
Earlier, Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested four people in the Lodhi Colony area for allegedly indulging in black marketing of oxygen concentrators. Police are in touch with Customs to probe whether the oxygen concentrators were bought for personal use, as permitted by the Centre, and then sold for commercial purposes.