CBI raid at RML Hospital, 2 cardiologists and others held in bribery racket

The central probe agency CBI on Wednesday unearthed a bribery racket at Delhi’s top centre-run hospital Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.  CBI has arrested nine people, including two senior cardiologists, on charges of demanding and accepting bribes.

Among those arrested are cardiology Professor Dr. Ajay Raj, Assistant Professor Dr. Parvathagouda, Senior Technical In-Charge Rajneesh Kumar, Nurse Shalu Sharma, and Clerks Bhuvan Jaiswal and Sanjay Gupta. Additionally, five private individuals associated with medical equipment companies were apprehended.

The agency has also arrested a director and employee of companies supplying medical equipment besides nurses, clerks and lab employees working at the hospital. At least four private firms based in Delhi and Gurgaon are under the scanner. Those arrested were produced in court and taken on remand till May 14.

CBI subsequently conducted raids and searches at over 13 locations in Delhi and other places and seized around Rs 2.5 lakh in cash, gold bars and lockers of the accused. The scam, CBI alleged, was being carried out at multiple levels. The probe is at an early stage and more arrests are likely.

CBI sprung a trap on Dr Parvathgouda and during technical surveillance, the agency had discovered that the doctor had demanded a bribe from one Naresh Nagpal, owner of Nagpal Technologies, on May 2 for having allowed the use of medical equipment supplied by him.

“Dr Parvathgouda asked Nagpal to clear previous month’s dues of bribes because he was leaving for Europe. Nagpal assured him that the amount would be delivered on May 7 at the hospital,” said an official.

This communication prompted CBI to register an FIR under sections of Prevention of Corruption Act besides those related to criminal conspiracy on Tuesday. “There is a likelihood that Nagpal may deliver the bribe money of Rs 2.48 lakh to Dr Parvathgouda at RML anytime on May 7,” reads the FIR.