The Delhi High Court has granted regular bail to two senior doctors arrested in an alleged ₹842-crore medical procurement scam involving the Delhi government’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The Court found that continued detention was no longer necessary, given the substantial progress in the investigation and the nature of the evidence collected.
Justice Sachin Datta granted relief to Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga, the former Head of Office of the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), and Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, the then Director General of DGHS.
The Court noted that the prosecution’s case was largely built on documentary and electronic evidence that had already been seized. Although further investigation remains underway, the remaining work primarily involves forensic examination of records and electronic material, along with inquiries into other individuals and firms.
The Court also considered the personal circumstances of the two accused, observing that both were doctors with permanent residences in Delhi and no criminal antecedents. There was no material to suggest that either was likely to abscond.
The prosecution had raised concerns over missing tender files and the alleged non-production of certain mobile phones. However, the Court pointed out that the missing documents remained untraced despite several months of custody and searches at multiple locations.
Another significant consideration was the absence of any money trail directly linked to the two doctors. The Court also observed that the alleged financial loss of ₹842 crore had not been conclusively established.
Allegations of tailor-made procurement specifications
The case stems from an FIR registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The allegations concern the procurement of medicines, surgical supplies, medical equipment and linen by the Delhi government’s Central Procurement Agency, which functions under the DGHS.
According to the prosecution, procurement orders contained restrictive and specially designed specifications intended to favour certain firms allegedly associated with co-accused Rajeev Kumar.
Investigators have alleged that payments amounting to approximately ₹842 crore were made to five firms through the procurement process under scrutiny.
The allegations against the two doctors relate to their respective positions within the procurement and health administration framework at the time of the transactions.
Bail subject to restrictions
While granting bail, the High Court imposed conditions on both doctors to ensure that the investigation is not obstructed.
They have been directed not to enter the CPA or DGHS premises without prior permission. They must also refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses and cannot leave the National Capital Region (NCR) without the Court’s approval.
The bail order does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. The allegations remain subject to further investigation and judicial proceedings.