New Delhi, 28 June (H.S.): The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), which is investigating an alleged multi-crore scam in the procurement of medicines, surgical consumables and medical equipment by the Delhi government's Health Department, has arrested former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal and former Deputy Controller of Accounts of the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), Neeraj Chopra. Both were produced before a special court at Rouse Avenue on Saturday, where the ACB sought one day of police custody for further interrogation.

According to the ACB, the investigation began after a complaint was received from the Directorate of Vigilance. The complaint alleged large-scale irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical consumables, medical equipment and other healthcare supplies through the Central Procurement Agency.

Investigators alleged that certain officials colluded with private companies to manipulate tender conditions and technical specifications to favour selected firms. The alleged irregularities are said to have caused substantial financial losses to the government exchequer.

The investigation covers the procurement of portable X-ray machines, bedsheets and linen, C-arm radiological equipment, anaesthesia workstations, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), surgical consumables, medicines and other medical supplies. The ACB alleged that several items were purchased at prices significantly higher than prevailing market rates. It further claimed that tender conditions were deliberately designed to eliminate genuine competition and ensure that only pre-selected companies qualified for the contracts.

The ACB registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the case on June 2, 2026, under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Earlier, on June 18, the agency had arrested former Head of Office of the Central Procurement Agency, Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga, who is currently in judicial custody.

According to the ACB, the alleged involvement of Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal and Neeraj Chopra emerged during the interrogation of Dr. Ranga, as well as from the examination of procurement files, official records and other documentary evidence. Following this, the agency obtained the mandatory sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act from the competent authority before proceeding with their arrests.

Preliminary findings suggest that key decisions relating to tender approvals, the constitution of procurement committees, procurement procedures and financial sanctions were taken at multiple administrative levels. Meanwhile, scrutiny of bills, payment processing and the release of government funds were handled through the Accounts Branch of the Central Procurement Agency.

The ACB said police custody would be used to question the accused regarding missing procurement records, electronic evidence, the money trail and the involvement of other public officials and private companies linked to the alleged scam. The agency believes that further investigation could reveal the involvement of additional individuals in the case.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar