The Himachal Pradesh State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has issued a summons to BJP MLA from Bharmour, Dr Janak Raj, in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged administrative and financial irregularities in the state-sponsored Himcare scheme. According to the official notice released by the investigation agency, Dr Janak Raj has been instructed to join the probe on August 20, 2026, at 11:30 AM. He has been given the option to appear before the investigating officer either at the Vigilance Bureau Headquarters in Shimla or at the office of the Senior Medical Superintendent at IGMC Shimla.
Administrative Responsibilities and IGMC Shimla Tenure
The notice issued by the Vigilance Bureau highlights that an extensive probe is underway regarding the implementation, operation, and administrative oversight of the Himcare scheme at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, following directives from the state government. Official inquiries revealed that the Senior Medical Superintendent's office held core administrative, supervisory, and monitoring responsibilities concerning the execution of healthcare programs within the hospital. Public service records confirm that Dr Janak Raj served as the Senior Medical Superintendent at IGMC Shimla from March 31, 2018, to October 18, 2022.
Preliminary findings by the Vigilance Bureau indicate that medical treatments for four cancer patients were approved and processed under the Himcare scheme during his tenure of over four years. Investigators intend to question the former medical superintendent regarding the financial expenditures incurred, official approvals granted, and the operational management of the scheme during his direct stewardship of the medical facility.
Allegations of ₹100 Crore Scam and Medical Claims Debate
The investigation stems from serious allegations leveled by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who questioned the operational transparency of the Himcare scheme introduced during the previous Jairam Thakur administration. CM Sukhu publicly alleged that irregularities in the healthcare initiative amounted to a massive scam worth ₹100 crore. State authorities claimed that fraudulent claims were processed under the scheme, including instances where procedures for uterine operations were purportedly billed for male patients.
Dr Janak Raj strongly countered the Chief Minister's statements, defending the medical feasibility of such cases. He asserted that specific rare clinical conditions can lead to the presence of uterine tissue in males and offered to substantiate his claims scientifically. He declared that if proven medically incorrect, he would permanently retire from both active politics and the medical profession.
Commotion at Nadaun Medical Camp
The Vigilance summons comes immediately after an incident on Wednesday, when Dr Janak Raj organized a free medical checkup camp in Nadaun. The event witnessed significant commotion when police personnel arrived at the venue and requested official permission documentation for conducting the medical camp, leading to heated discussions between organizers and law enforcement officials.
Escalating Scrutiny on Opposition Lawmakers
Dr Janak Raj is the second opposition lawmaker in Himachal Pradesh to face scrutiny from state investigative authorities recently. Earlier, Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma was subjected to intense questioning by Vigilance officials in connection with a disproportionate assets case registered against him on July 29, 2026, where investigators are evaluating his income and financial transactions.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has staged protests against the Sukhu-led Congress administration, alleging political vendetta and accusing the state government of deliberately targeting opposition legislators using state investigative agencies.
