THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Raipur, July 30: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major operation in connection with the alleged ₹500 crore medical supply scam in Chhattisgarh. Multiple ED teams are conducting simultaneous raids at over 18 locations across the state, including Raipur and Durg.
The action is part of a money laundering investigation linked to irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSC) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
Allegations of Collusion
According to ED officials, Shashank Chopra, a partner at Mokshit Corporation, allegedly conspired with certain CGMSC and DHS officials to fraudulently secure rate contracts.
Through these contracts, purchase orders for the supply of medical equipment and chemicals were issued in an improper manner, involving an estimated amount exceeding ₹500 crore.
Also Read- Heavy rain forecast for north-eastern Jharkhand today
Unnecessary Purchases and Suspect Records
Preliminary investigations revealed that large quantities of medical equipment and reagents were purchased without assessing the actual requirements of many health centers.
Reports by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) indicate that between January 2022 and October 2023, Mokshit Corporation and a shell entity under its control received supply orders worth billions.
Probe Extends to Four Private Firms
Apart from Mokshit Corporation, companies including CB Corporation (Durg), Records and Medicare System (Panchkula, Haryana), and Shri Sharda Industries (Raipur) are also under the scanner for allegedly forming a fraudulent network to manipulate the system.
ED Action Based on ACB Report
The raids are being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED investigation is based on an FIR and chargesheet filed in April by the ACB and EOW.
Notably, on January 22, the ACB named six individuals accused of involvement in the ₹550 crore scam.
