Chhattisgarh's Rs 500 Crore Medical Supply Scam Under ED Scrutiny

The Enforcement Directorate has conducted multiple raids in Chhattisgarh amid an investigation into a Rs 500 crore medical supply scam. The probe follows an anti-corruption chargesheet that accused several individuals and companies of irregularities in medical purchases, causing substantial financial losses to the state.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its investigation into a significant medical supply scam by executing searches across various locations in Chhattisgarh, official sources confirmed on Wednesday. The scam is reportedly valued at over Rs 500 crore.

Raids were conducted at premises linked to government officials, medical suppliers, agents, and middlemen in Raipur, Durg, and surrounding areas. The investigation falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and follows a chargesheet filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing.

The chargesheet lists six individuals and four companies, alleging misappropriation in the procurement of medical equipment and reagents in 2023, leading to a Rs 550 crore loss to the state exchequer. These purchases were allegedly made without assessing the actual needs and availability of supplies, facilitated by collusion with Mokshit Corporation and other firms.

(With inputs from agencies.)