ED Raids Former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj in Hospital 'Scam' Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 13 locations in Delhi, including the residence of former Delhi Health Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj. The raids are part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged hospital construction scam. The probe stems from an Anti-Corruption Branch FIR alleging large-scale corruption, inflated costs, and misappropriation of funds in state health infrastructure projects. The Aam Aadmi Party has condemned the action, calling it a politically motivated misuse of central agencies.
Unpacked:
Authorities allege large-scale corruption, inflated costs, unjustified project delays, unauthorized construction, and misappropriation of public funds in 24 hospital projects worth approximately Rs 5,590 crore. The FIR also mentions systematic manipulation of budgets and collusion with contractors, with only partial completion despite significant expenditure.
The initial complaint was filed by Vijender Gupta, then Leader of the Opposition, on August 22, 2024. The Anti-Corruption Branch registered the FIR, leading to the current money laundering investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.
The Aam Aadmi Party has condemned the raids, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to misuse central agencies against its leaders. AAP leaders argue that the cases are fabricated and intended to target the party for political reasons.
Yes, besides Saurabh Bharadwaj, former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain and several government officials and private contractors have been named in the FIR and are under investigation for their alleged roles in the scam.