Bhilwara Doctor Arrested for Alleged Bribery
Background of the Case
A doctor from Jaipur, who serves as an investigator for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, has been apprehended for allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 11 lakh from Siddhivinayak Hospital in Bhilwara. The bribe was purportedly demanded in exchange for clearing the hospital’s Ayushman Arogya Yojana bills.
Details of the Allegations
Recent reports indicate that the accused threatened hospital officials with de-empanelment from the Ayushman Bharat scheme if the bribe was not paid. Initially, he had requested Rs 14 lakh, but after negotiations, the final amount was settled at Rs 11 lakh.
Role of the Anti-Corruption Bureau
The Ajmer unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted the arrest. Siddhivinayak Hospital is recognized for providing treatment under the Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Yojana, submitting its bills for payment to the National Insurance Company, the state government’s authorized agency.
Investigation Findings
During a review process, several discrepancies were identified in the hospital’s billing. As a result, the hospital was cautioned about potential de-empanelment if these issues were not addressed. The doctor allegedly exploited this situation by demanding money to approve the bills and maintain the hospital’s status within the scheme.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
The ACB initiated a trap after receiving a complaint regarding the doctor’s activities. On Monday evening, he was apprehended as he attempted to collect the bribe. The hospital manager met with him on Tilak Nagar Road, presenting him with Rs 9 lakh in fake notes and Rs 2 lakh in genuine currency. The ACB team arrested the doctor immediately after the transaction.
Statements from the Hospital Management
A case has been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigations are currently in progress. The doctor is undergoing interrogation at the ACB office. In a statement to Bhaskar, the hospital manager revealed, “The doctor had been threatening us for a month, alleging fraud in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He warned that the scheme would be stopped at the hospital unless a bribe of Rs 14 lakh was paid. Troubled by these threats, the hospital management approached the ACB.”
Related Incidents
It is worth noting that this incident follows another case in which a medical officer from Jodhpur was arrested for accepting a bribe of Rs 3.70 lakh.