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Ranchi, April 5, 2025: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids across Jharkhand and neighbouring states on Friday, targeting 21 locations as part of its investigation into alleged large-scale fraud within the Ayushman Bharat health scheme.1 The operation resulted in the seizure of Rs 20 lakh in cash and numerous documents potentially linked to money laundering and questionable investments.
The raids, which commenced early Friday morning around 7 am, spanned 17 sites within Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Bokaro. Additional locations in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi were also searched.
A significant portion of the seized cash, reportedly Rs 20 lakh, was recovered from the residence of Om Prakash, who served as the personal secretary to former Jharkhand health minister Banna Gupta. The ED’s probe also encompasses other key figures associated with the Jharkhand State Arogya Society (JHSAS), such as Additional Executive Director Abhishek Srivastava and Senior Consultant Vaibhav Rai. Furthermore, third-party administrators involved in the scheme, including MD India Health Insurance, Safeway, and Medi Assist, are under scrutiny.
This enforcement action follows a critical report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) which highlighted significant irregularities and potential fraud under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Jharkhand. The CAG report pointed towards the use of “ghost patients,” including instances where medical bills were allegedly generated for individuals already deceased, suggesting a systematic siphoning of government funds.
Acting on the CAG’s findings, the ED sought further information from the State Health Department and the Jharkhand State Health Society. Confirmation of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against several hospitals involved in the scheme prompted the ED to register an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and launch a formal money laundering investigation.
Officials believe the scale of the scam could run into several crores, considering over 750 hospitals are empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Jharkhand alone. The ED’s investigation is ongoing, and further actions, including potential arrests and additional findings, are anticipated as the probe progresses.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on information provided regarding Enforcement Directorate actions on April 4th, 2025. The investigation is ongoing, and individuals mentioned are under investigation. Further details may emerge as the probe continues.
