Three Individuals Arrested in Major Chhattisgarh Medical Procurement Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has taken decisive action in Raipur. They arrested three persons on Sunday in connection with a massive alleged scam at the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation. This scandal involves the procurement of medical equipment and reagents under the Hamar Lab scheme.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
Authorities made the arrests under specific legal provisions. They invoked Sections 409 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. The Prevention of Corruption Act provisions also apply to this case. The fraudulent activities have caused substantial financial damage. Investigators estimate the loss to the state exchequer at approximately Rs 550 crore.
The arrested individuals include:
- Abhishek Kaushal
- Rakesh Jain
- Prince Jain
All three suspects faced judicial proceedings on Monday. The Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases in Raipur heard their matter. The court decided to remand them to police custody. This custody will continue until January 27 for further investigation.
How the Tender Process Was Manipulated
Investigations have uncovered a sophisticated manipulation scheme. The accused allegedly rigged the tender process for the Hamar Lab initiative. This government scheme provides free diagnostic services across various healthcare facilities. These include district hospitals, Community Health Centres, and Primary Health Centres throughout Chhattisgarh.
Evidence points to deliberate coordination among certain companies. Mokshit Corporation reportedly secured the tenders through a method called pool tendering. They received assistance from two other companies that participated using forged documents. This created an artificial competitive environment.
The probe revealed clear signs of cartelisation designed to stifle genuine competition. Only three firms reached the financial bid stage. All these firms submitted bids showing identical patterns in multiple aspects:
- Product specifications
- Pack sizes
- Consumables lists
Even more revealing, items not clearly specified in the original tender documents appeared identically in all bids. The price quotes followed a fixed pattern too. Mokshit Corporation consistently quoted the lowest rates. The other two companies quoted slightly higher prices in a predictable sequence.
Financial Impact and Supply Irregularities
This arranged bidding pattern had significant financial consequences. It allegedly allowed Mokshit Corporation to supply reagents and consumables to CGMSC at inflated rates. These rates reached up to three times higher than the Maximum Retail Price. Such pricing represents a clear misuse of public funds meant for healthcare services.
The Hamar Lab scheme aims to provide accessible diagnostic services to citizens. Instead, funds appear to have been misappropriated through this procurement manipulation. Authorities are now investigating all aspects of this alleged financial misconduct.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
Anti-Corruption Bureau officials have made strong statements about continuing their probe. They are examining every detail of the alleged misappropriation under the Hamar Lab scheme. The evidence collected so far will guide further legal actions.
Officials confirm that additional legal proceedings will follow. They plan to take action against all individuals found responsible for this scam. The investigation remains active as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the financial irregularities.
This case highlights the importance of transparent procurement processes in public healthcare systems. It also demonstrates the ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to protect public funds in Chhattisgarh.
