THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Aug 26: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday morning carried out raids at 12 locations, including the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, in connection with a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects.
According to officials, the scam is estimated at around ₹5,590 crore. The searches are being conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Earlier in June 2024, the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) had registered a case against Bharadwaj and former Health Minister Satyendar Jain, alleging large-scale corruption in health projects during the AAP government’s tenure.
Subsequently, in July, the ED registered an ECIR and initiated its probe into money laundering aspects of the case.
Allegations against AAP government
The ED claims that in 2018-19, the Delhi government approved 24 hospital projects with a target of completing them, including ICU facilities, within six months. However, even after three years, the projects remained incomplete. While only about 50% of the work was executed, over ₹800 crore had already been spent.
The probe further revealed that construction began at some hospitals without necessary approvals. For example, the Lok Nayak Hospital project, initially estimated at ₹488 crore, eventually escalated to ₹1,135 crore.
ACB findings
The ACB’s report highlighted massive irregularities, unwarranted delays, and misuse of government funds in hospital, polyclinic, and ICU infrastructure projects. None of the projects were completed on time, while several incurred additional costs running into hundreds of crores.
How the case surfaced
The matter came to light on August 22, 2024, when Vijender Gupta, then Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, raised the issue. In his complaint, Gupta alleged large-scale corruption in health projects under the GNCTD (Delhi government), accusing former ministers of budget manipulation, misuse of public funds, and collusion with private contractors.
