Lady Hardinge Medical College officer accused of demanding bribes, threatening vendors

One of the vendors, PSV Biotech Private Limited, submitted a letter on April 10 to Dr Sarita Beri, Director of LHMC, and the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In its letter, the company alleged that the officer had repeatedly sought a bribe, issuing threats, and making a disparaging remark.

A similar representation was later sent to the Union Health Secretary on April 28. However, the complainants have alleged that no visible action has so far been taken by the concerned authorities, reports The Daily.

The letter addressed to the DGHS and LHMC Director on April 10, a copy of which was shared by Sachin Gupta, Director of PSV Biotech Private Limited with ETV Bharat, said, "PSV Biotech Private Limited, a registered vendor associated with LHMC for the last eight years seek immediate administrative and vigilance intervention against the Administrative Officer, Stores Department, LHMC, for acts of grave misconduct involving persistent demand for illegal gratification, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint, and harassment."

In a separate complaint dated April 21, Promax India wrote to the DGHS alleging that the officer had demanded a bribe. The complainant stated that all relevant details would be provided to assist with any investigation into the matter. The complainant alleged that the officer made a personal attack by bringing up his socio-economic status and making a derogatory comment on it. Moreover, the officer also allegedly threatened the complainant that he would abuse his authority to ruin his professional reputation.

As per the existing complaint handling policy of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the complainant also received a letter from the concerned official on May 6 to confirm the authenticity of the complaint. According to the complainant, on May 15, he filed a confirmation and requested the competent authority to start an impartial administrative investigation. He further added that there might be a risk of tampering with the evidence if the investigation is delayed any further.

Commenting on the issue, Director Gupta on Monday told ETV Bharat, "I had lodged the complaint approximately two months ago against the administrative officer (stores). Despite the passage of considerable time, no visible action or communication regarding the status of the complaint has been received." He has instructed an unbiased investigation to verify the allegations, reports The Daily.

Sales Coordinator of Promax India alleged that the officer responsible for procurement-related work of the hospital has allegedly demanded 10 percent of each order as a bribe. "The officer has allegedly been demanding illegal gratification in connection with official work, particularly for the clearance of pending bills and for the continuation of business relating to hospital supplies. The accused allegedly demanded a bribe equivalent to 10 per cent of each order for which payment was pending. He further stated that if such payment was not made, our firm should be prepared for adverse consequences, including stoppage of future supply orders and delay or obstruction in the release of pending payments," he said.