ED raids 21 locations across Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi in Ayushman Bharat scam probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched raids at 21 locations across Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal in connection to the alleged scam in the Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Jharkhand under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The searches include premises of Om Prakash, the personal secretary of former Jharkhand health minister Banna Gupta, as well as Third Party Assessment (TPA) agencies like MD India, Safeway, Medi Assist, and their associates.

Premises belonging to key suspects in the alleged fraud network are also under scrutiny. These include consultants, former executives of associated firms, and officials linked to Jharkhand State Arogya Society (JSAS).

The investigation was launched in the matter after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India presented a report in Parliament. The report highlighted irregularities in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, including cases of deceased individuals being shown as treated under the scheme.

Following the CAG report, the ED sought information from the Jharkhand Health Department and the Jharkhand State Health Society regarding action taken against those involved in the alleged irregularities. In response, the department provided details of FIRs filed against certain hospitals.

Based on these FIRs, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and launched an investigation. The agency conducted raids after collecting initial evidence against those allegedly linked to the case on Friday.