HP Former Health Services Director arrested on graft charges
Shimla: Former director of health services, Dr Ajay Kumar Gupta, was arrested on Thursday by the state vigilance and anti-corruption bureau in connection with a bribery case.
Gupta, who surrendered before a court after the rejection of his anticipatory bail application by the high court, has been sent to police remand till February 4.
Also Read:UP: Chief Medical Superintendent suspended over charges of bribery
He was earlier arrested by the anti-corruption bureau for allegedly taking a commission/ bribe money of ₹4.25 lakh for the purchase of arterial blood gas (ABG) analyser machines during his tenure as the director of health sciences. The investigation revealed that the actual cost of the machine was ₹2.27 lakh, however, it was bought for ₹4.25 lakh.
According to a media report in HT, the issue was widely criticized by the public after the 43-second audio clip of a conversation between Dr Gupta and Prithvi Singh, a representative for a medical equipment supplier in Punjab, went viral on social media on May 20, 2020.
While investigating the audio clip, the vigilance team found that Prithvi Singh allegedly recorded their conversation to blackmail Dr Gupta. In the audio clip, Prithvi was allegedly willing to pay Rs 3 lakh bribe for clearing a Rs 1 crore PPE kit order.
Following the surfacing of the audio clip, Dr Gupta was booked under sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and was later suspended by the state government.
Various documents in relation with the purchases were seized after a raid was conducted at his office and his residence under the oSP, SIU.
During the investigations, the vigilance team discovered another case that was registered against him in September 2020 and he has now been arrested in connection with this case, the officials said.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.