Cops book news reader Varadharajan for video on Covid-19 care


Chennai: A case has been filed against former television news reader and actor TV Varadharajan under four sections for allegedly spreading ‘wrong information’ about the availability of beds at hospitals in Chennai for Covid-19 treatment.

After a video of Varadharajan, in which he said people were facing difficulty to get treatment for coronavirus, went viral, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar warned legal action against him.

According to reports, based on complaints against him by heads of a few hospitals, the Central Crime Branch police in Chennai have filed case against Varadharajan.

Vijayabaskar has rejected rumours that there are not enough hospital beds in the city. Stating that adequate beds are in place, he warned of strict action against those spreading rumours.

“In Chennai alone, we have 5,000 beds in five government hospitals with ventilator capacity. Chennai Corporation’s care centres have 17,000 beds. There are 75,000 beds across the State,” the Minister said.