Thiruvananthapuram: The surgical instrument known as the ‘Tissue Morcellator’, which Health Minister Veena George had said was missing from the Medical College, has been found in the operation theatre itself. A check by the principal confirmed that the device, valued at ₹12 lakh, was in the urology department.

An expert committee, tasked with investigating claims made by the head of the urology department, Dr Haris Chirakkal, had earlier reported that a small part of the device was missing and recommended a departmental inquiry. However, the panel submitted its findings without directly verifying whether the instrument was in the theatre.

Meanwhile, Dr Haris has been on leave for the past five days after being issued a show-cause notice. He has requested more time to submit his response. The expert committee has also sought a copy of the report.