Multi-state action targets alleged fraud and money laundering in flagship health scheme
Ranchi, April 4 — In a sweeping crackdown on alleged irregularities in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out multi-state raids, including at the residence of Om Prakash Singh, the private secretary to former Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta.The federal probe agency conducted searches at 21 locations across Jharkhand, Delhi, and West Bengal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED Targets Alleged Nexus Behind Ayushman Bharat Fraud
According to official sources, the searches were part of an ongoing investigation into suspected money laundering and systematic fraud in the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme. The ED believes that a well-orchestrated network was involved in manipulating hospital empanelments and raising fake claims in return for commissions and kickbacks.Raids on TPA Offices and JSAS Officials
Raids were conducted at the residences and offices linked to consultants, former executives, and employees of the Jharkhand State Arogya Society (JSAS), as well as several Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), including MD India, Safeway, and Medi Assist. The probe agency is focusing on identifying the channels used to generate and circulate alleged "proceeds of crime."Locations Searched Across Jharkhand and Kolkata
In Jamshedpur, ED teams searched a house in the Mango locality and a nursing home along NH-33. In Ranchi, properties in Ashok Nagar and Bariyatu were searched. Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the crackdown extended to offices of suspected "entry operators" or hawala dealers believed to be part of the financial transactions network.No Comment from Banna Gupta or Aide
As of now, there has been no official response from former minister Banna Gupta or his private secretary, Om Prakash Singh, regarding the ED's actions.Ayushman Bharat Under Scrutiny
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, a flagship initiative of the Union Government, aims to provide universal health coverage. The ED suspects that fraudulent practices within the scheme were exploited to generate illicit profits, prompting this extensive investigation.The operation was backed by central paramilitary forces to ensure security during the high-profile raids. Investigations are ongoing as the agency scrutinizes the financial trail and assesses the depth of the alleged scam.
