New Delhi, 25 August (H.S.): The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Rajiv Rangeela in connection with the Delhi medicine procurement scam. Special Judge Vidya Prakash dismissed the plea, observing that anticipatory bail could not be granted considering the nature and gravity of the allegations.

The court said custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary in view of his alleged role in the offence. Rangeela has been accused of supplying medical equipment at inflated prices.

Opposing the anticipatory bail plea, Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) counsel Kumar Sanjay argued that Rangeela was required for further investigation and that a non-bailable warrant had already been issued against him. The process required to declare him a proclaimed offender is still pending, the counsel said.

The ACB alleged that Rangeela supplied equipment at inflated prices and did not manufacture the medical devices himself, despite manufacturing being a precondition under the tender.

According to the ACB, Rangeela transferred money to his relatives through nearly 100 bank accounts. The agency has alleged that the transactions formed part of the financial irregularities under investigation.

Earlier, on August 18, the court granted four weeks of interim bail to Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, former Director General of Health Services in Delhi. On August 17, the court had rejected the bail plea of another accused, Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga.

Both accused were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch in connection with alleged irregularities amounting to around Rs 700 crore in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment.

The ACB registered an FIR in the case on June 2 on the basis of a complaint filed by the Directorate of Vigilance. The FIR alleges financial irregularities of approximately Rs 700 crore in the procurement of medicines, surgical supplies and medical equipment.

According to the FIR, the alleged irregularities were carried out through the Directorate General of Health Services, Delhi, and the Central Procurement Agency of the Delhi government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar