Anti-Corruption Agency Arrests Two Former Health Officials in New Delhi

New Delhi, June 29: The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has arrested two former officials from the Delhi government‘s health department. This action follows allegations of significant irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical supplies, and medical equipment.

According to an official statement, the ACB apprehended Vatsala Agarwal, the former Director General of Health Services (DGHS), and Neeraj Chopra, the Deputy Controller of Accounts from the Central Procurement Agency (CPA).

The allegations suggest that they manipulated procurement processes to purchase portable X-ray machines, bed sheets, linen, C-arm radiological equipment, anesthesia workstations, oral rehydration solutions, surgical supplies, medications, and other medical items at inflated prices.

A complaint from the Delhi government claims that specific details were crafted to benefit select suppliers, while legitimate participants were excluded from the bidding process. This led to the misappropriation of hundreds of crores of government funds.

The Vigilance Directorate’s complaint highlighted large-scale irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical supplies, and essential medical equipment by the DGHS CPA.

It is alleged that some government employees colluded with private individuals to manipulate procurement processes, tender conditions, and technical specifications, unfairly benefiting certain firms and suppliers. This resulted in wrongful harm to the public treasury and unjust advantages for private companies. Based on this complaint, the ACB registered an FIR on June 2 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other relevant sections.

During the investigation, the ACB interrogated both accused on Saturday and subsequently arrested them.

The ACB’s statement noted, “Both accused were presented before the Special Judge at Rouse Avenue (under the Prevention of Corruption Act). A one-day police custody remand was requested for further questioning to recover documents and electronic evidence related to the case, trace missing procurement records, identify other beneficiaries and conspirators, investigate financial transactions, and uncover the larger conspiracy.”