Chennai: Tension prevailed at the Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital on Wednesday after hospital staff alerted police about a man admitted for treatment who resembled a suspect wanted in connection with the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Arambakkam near Gummidipoondi, reported on July 12.Upon receiving the alert, a police team rushed to the hospital and conducted an inquiry with the patient. Preliminary investigation revealed that the man was a native of Uttar Pradesh and was not connected to the July 12 assault case. According to police, the man worked as a popcorn vendor on railway platforms, targeting train commuters for sales.He reportedly consumed liquor and dozed off on the railway platform on Tuesday night. Concerned commuters noticed his condition and informed the Chennai Central railway police, who arranged for his admission to the hospital for treatment.The alert from hospital staff, however, triggered widespread speculation and prompted inquiries from both investigating officers and media outlets. After thorough verification, police concluded that the man was not the person wanted in the Arambakkam case and released him.“Though the man bore a resemblance to the suspect, investigations confirmed he had no involvement in the Gummidipoondi incident,” said an Investigation Officer.Meanwhile, the police continue efforts to locate the actual suspect involved in the July 12 assault.
