PATNA, June 28 -- A government bodyguard deputed with former Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) principal Dr Narendra Pratap Singh stated that the senior doctor remained at his private clinic throughout June 23, the day Bihar's health minister Nishant visited PMCH under a pre-scheduled programme, according to a statement issued by the health department on Saturday evening. According to the statement, constable Sanjeet Kumar, who was deployed as Dr Singh's official security guard, reported for duty at the doctor's residence-cum-clinic around 9.30am, as usual. The bodyguard stated that Dr Singh came downstairs from the residential portion of the building to the clinic at around 11am and examined patients continuously until about 6pm. According to him, around 15 to 20 patients visited the clinic for treatment that day. He further stated that from the time he reported for duty until he left the premises at around 6.30pm after obtaining permission, Dr Singh remained at the clinic throughout and did not leave at any point. The statement comes amid an ongoing controversy over Dr Singh's absence from PMCH during the health minister's visit. The health department had earlier relieved him of the additional charge of PMCH principal, alleging unauthorised absence, negligence in discharging official duties and misuse of government resources. Dr Singh has denied the allegations and held a press conference defending his conduct. The department said it had already ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter following Dr Singh's public statements. It added that the bodyguard's statement corroborated the basis on which departmental action was initiated. Officials said the inquiry committee would examine all evidence, record Dr Singh's version and take further action according to the prescribed procedure....