ED Raids Himachal Congress MLA Over Ayushman Bharat Fraud

The Enforcement Directorate raided premises of Himachal Pradesh Congress MLA R S Bali, private hospitals, and their promoters in a money laundering probe linked to Ayushman Bharat fraud. Searches spanned multiple locations in Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. The case originated from a January 2023 FIR alleging fraud with fake medical cards.

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday targeted Himachal Pradesh Congress MLA R S Bali alongside several private hospitals and their promoters in a money laundering investigation related to the Ayushman Bharat scheme fraud, according to officials.

A total of 19 locations across Shimla, Kangra, Una, Mandi, Kullu, Delhi, and Chandigarh have been under search since the morning hours, disclosed the authorities.

Premises searched include those of Bali, Fortis Hospital in Kangra (part of Bali's Himachal Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.), Balaji Hospital in Kangra, and its promoter Rajesh Sharma. Sharma, known to be close to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, had previously stepped aside in favor of Sukhu's wife during a recent bypoll, which she won.

The origins of the money laundering case trace back to a January 2023 FIR filed by the state vigilance and anti-corruption bureau. This FIR accused individuals like Kiran Soni and Una-based Shri Banke Bihari Hospital of creating fake AB-PMJAY cards and generating false medical bills, impacting the public exchequer.

The ED claims these fraudulent activities resulted in substantial financial losses for the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)