Bribery Ordeal After Daughter’s Death — Retired BPCL CFO speaks out

Unfolding tragedy in a city hospital corridor

In Bengaluru, a family’s most personal tragedy has intersected with allegations of extortion and official misconduct. A retired chief financial officer of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) shared a harrowing account of paying bribes to ambulance personnel and hospital staff amid the death of his daughter. He says the ordeal began with a demand for money that escalated as he sought to move his daughter from Kasavanahalli to St. John’s Hospital in Koramangala for urgent care.

“Ambulance guy said pay Rs 3000 for taking her from one hospital in Kasavanahalli to St John’s in Koramangala,” the man, who requested anonymity for safety and privacy, told reporters. “I had money, I paid. What will poor people do?”

The account has sparked wider questions about the interface between medical emergencies, ambulance services, and the behavior of some law enforcement officers in the city. The family says the exchange continued as they navigated the chaotic path from the initial hospital to a facility capable of providing the critical care they feared she needed.

Allegations of police misconduct

According to the retired executive, assurances from hospital and ambulance staff were undermined by rude interactions with police officials. He described encounters with officers who, he says, initially suggested proceeding with a post-mortem rather than exploring other avenues for timely transport and care. The tension mounted as the family sought to expedite medical intervention during a time of acute distress.

Two officers have since been suspended in connection with the case, though officials have not publicly detailed the findings that led to the suspensions. The suspension underscores ongoing tensions between public service agencies and citizens in moments of crisis, where fear and grief can collide with procedural safeguards and accountability norms.

Why the case matters for public trust

Public health and safety rely on trust in institutions—from ambulances to police to hospitals. When a family seeking help perceives corruption or dismissive behavior, it can erode confidence in the system at a time when it is most needed. Experts say ensuring transparent processes for medical transport, clear pricing standards for ambulance services, and rigorous discipline for misconduct are essential steps to restore trust.

“If a family pays bribes to secure transport or care, it reinforces a dangerous belief that wealth buys faster medical attention,” said a public health analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The real issue is safeguarding patient rights and ensuring that those who serve the public are held to high ethical standards, especially in life-or-death situations.”

What comes next for the family and the institutions involved

The family has announced that they will pursue legal avenues to hold those responsible to account, while hospital authorities and police officials have pledged to cooperate with investigations. Advocates for transparent medical ethics and ambulance regulation are urging swift reviews of transport protocols, pricing disclosures, and grievance redressal mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As Bengaluru continues to respond to medical emergencies amid a growing population, this incident serves as a reminder of the crucial balance between compassionate care and institutional accountability. The focus now shifts to whether reforms can restore confidence and ensure that a family in distress can receive timely, respectful, and ethical treatment without fear of coercion or indignity.

Community response and next steps

Community members and civil society groups are calling for independent oversight and clearer reporting channels. In the months ahead, watchdog organizations may scrutinize ambulance service contracts, hospital liaison practices, and police conduct during medical emergencies. The broader public will be watching to see whether the suspensions translate into meaningful policy changes and improved patient-first protocols.