The Anti-Corruption Branch has informed a Delhi court that vital files related to a ₹700-crore medical procurement scam have been deliberately destroyed to hide evidence of tender manipulation and fund siphoning.

  • ACB alleges vital procurement files were 'intentionally destroyed' to hide evidence.
  • The scam involves ₹700 crore meant for medicines and medical equipment.
  • Key accused include former DGHS chief Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal and former CPA head Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga.
  • Main supplier Rajiv Rangila is currently absconding.

In a startling development regarding the alleged ₹700-crore medical procurement scam, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has informed a Delhi court that essential files related to the purchases made by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) have been "intentionally destroyed."

The missing documents reportedly include critical details concerning bids for high-value medical items such as X-Ray machines, C-Arm machines, and hospital linen. These files were expected to contain the names of officials responsible for drafting tender terms and those involved in technical and financial evaluations. The ACB contends that the destruction of these files was a calculated move to cause the "disappearance of crucial evidence" regarding the crimes committed.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such systemic corruption in healthcare procurement has devastating real-world consequences. When public funds intended for life-saving medicines and equipment are siphoned off through manipulated tenders, it directly compromises the quality of healthcare available to the most vulnerable sections of society.

The systematic destruction of official records points toward a deeply entrenched conspiracy within the administrative machinery.

The primary accused in this massive fraud include former DGHS chief Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal, former CPA deputy controller of accounts Neeraj Chopra, and former CPA head of office Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga. While the court recently granted interim bail to Dr. Aggarwal on medical grounds (citing hypertension and diabetes), Ranga's plea for regular bail was rejected. Meanwhile, a key pharmaceutical trader, Rajiv Rangila, remains absconding after allegedly fleeing the country.

The investigation has uncovered a sophisticated method of "cartelisation," where tender criteria—such as turnover and experience—were set at exorbitantly high levels to disqualify legitimate competitors. Furthermore, the ACB revealed that funds were diverted into hundreds of unrelated bank accounts, from which crores were withdrawn in cash to siphon off government money.

Historical Background

The Central Procurement Agency (CPA) serves as the nodal agency for the Delhi government, ensuring the supply of vaccines, medicines, and equipment to various hospitals. Over the years, procurement processes have been under scrutiny to prevent the very type of tender manipulation and financial irregularities currently being investigated by the ACB.

Did You Know?: Tender cartelization is an illegal practice where competitors collude to decide who will win a contract, effectively eliminating fair competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the main method used in the scam?
The accused allegedly used cartelization and set unrealistic tender criteria to favor specific entities and siphon funds into unrelated accounts.

2. What is the status of the main accused?
Some officials have been granted interim bail or had bail rejected, while key supplier Rajiv Rangila is currently absconding.