A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Chandigarh has delivered another blow to the accused in a significant financial fraud case, rejecting the anticipatory bail plea of Chetan Gupta. This development is part of the ongoing investigation into a Rs 1.14 crore scam involving government grants meant for patients at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI).
Court Rejects Bail Pleas of Multiple Accused
The court's decision regarding Chetan Gupta follows similar rulings against two other individuals implicated in the case. Earlier, the same special CBI court had denied the anticipatory bail applications of Sunil Kumar and Gaganpreet Singh. The CBI had registered a First Information Report (FIR) last month against a total of eight accused. This group includes six PGI employees, who face charges under various sections of the law.
How the Elaborate Scam Was Uncovered
The fraudulent activities came to light following a complaint from a patient to the PGI administration. The patient reported not receiving the government grant amount that had been officially approved for their medical treatment. Acting on this complaint, the PGI administration formed an internal inquiry committee to look into the matter.
When the internal probe confirmed serious irregularities, the case was promptly handed over to the CBI for a comprehensive investigation. The federal agency's detailed probe uncovered that serious irregularities had been carried out for a long period within PGI's private grant cell.
Modus Operandi: A Photocopy Shop at the Heart of the Fraud
The CBI investigation revealed a cunning operation. The entire scam was allegedly orchestrated through a photocopy shop. The accused are charged with using forged documents to illegally transfer grant money intended for needy patients into fake bank accounts. This systematic diversion of funds deprived patients of crucial financial aid for their treatment.
In a further shocking revelation, the probe also uncovered allegations that the accused were involved in the illegal sale of expensive medicines in the open market. These medicines were specifically meant to be provided to patients under the government grant scheme, adding a grave dimension to the crime.
Ongoing Investigation and Potential for More Revelations
The CBI has stated that the total estimated amount involved in this multi-layered scam is approximately Rs 1.14 crore. However, officials have indicated that this figure is based on the current findings, and there is a strong possibility of more important revelations as the investigation progresses deeper. The denial of anticipatory bail to the accused is seen as a critical step that may aid the agency in uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy and recovering the misappropriated funds.
