The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi government has initiated a major crackdown regarding a massive financial scam within the health department. As part of this ongoing probe, Dr. Vatsala Agarwal, the former Director General of Health Services (DGHS), has been taken into custody. Following her arrest on Thursday, the agency also apprehended Neeraj Chopra, who serves as the Deputy Controller of Accounts, for his alleged involvement in the illicit activities.
Investigation and Recent Arrests
The latest arrests follow the custodial interrogation of Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga, who was apprehended by the ACB just days earlier. Information gathered during his four-day police remand provided investigators with critical leads, directly linking the senior officials to the irregularities. The core of the investigation revolves around the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), which functions directly under the purview of the DGHS and oversees the procurement process for various medical supplies worth several hundred crores.
Procurement Manipulation Allegations
Investigations into the procurement process have uncovered systemic manipulation regarding the purchase of surgical materials, medical equipment, and drugs. The irregularities reportedly extend to the procurement of C-arm radiological devices, portable X-ray machines, anesthesia workstations, and oral rehydration solutions. Additionally, suspicious practices were identified in the purchase of linens and bedsheets for hospital use.
According to findings, tender conditions were tailor-made to benefit specific favored suppliers. This strategic manipulation effectively disqualified legitimate and qualified bidders from the process. Consequently, the government exchequer suffered a loss of hundreds of crores as goods were procured at highly inflated prices through these rigged contracts.
Administrative Action and Suspensions
The exposure of this scam has triggered stringent administrative measures. The ACB registered a case on June 2 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant sections concerning criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Dr. Vatsala Agarwal was initially removed from her position as DGHS on May 21 and placed on wait, followed by a transfer to Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital. Subsequently, she was placed under suspension on the directive of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to ensure an impartial investigation. Furthermore, following an internal inquiry that revealed severe deficiencies in the management, storage, and procurement of medicine, the Delhi government has also suspended five pharmacists and two additional officials from the CPA.
