India, Oct. 6 -- Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital (JPC), one of east Delhi's busiest government hospitals, has earned a dubious new distinction - its parking area has turned into a den of vehicle thefts. Between July and September alone, at least 90 vehicles have been stolen from within the hospital premises, police and hospital officials told HT.

Despite four entry gates, over 20 guards, and CCTV cameras, the hospital campus has become a hunting ground for vehicle thieves. Doctors, staff and patients alike say they now arrive with anxiety, fearing their vehicles might vanish before their shift or treatment ends.

"We can't check every person leaving the premises. We only man the gates," said one security guard. "This isn't one person's doin...