ED raids AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj in hospital construction scam

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj. The raids are part of an investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering linked to hospital construction projects in Delhi. Bharadwaj, who represents the Greater Kailash constituency, has held important positions in the Delhi government, including portfolios for Health, Urban Development, and Water. He has also served as Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board and is a spokesperson for AAP.

According to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), a formal case has been registered against Saurabh Bharadwaj and AAP leader Satyendra Jain, both former Delhi Health Ministers. The case concerns alleged large-scale corruption in health infrastructure projects undertaken by the Delhi government.

The ACB statement highlights that 24 hospital projects were approved in 2018–19, with 11 being new constructions (greenfield) and 13 being expansions or renovations of existing facilities (brownfield). These projects were sanctioned at a total cost of ₹5,590 crores. However, the ACB claims that the projects have faced inexplicable delays and massive cost overruns, which point to possible financial mismanagement and embezzlement.

The ED raids form part of a wider probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds in these health infrastructure projects. Officials involved in the investigation believe that irregularities in tendering, approvals, and construction processes have led to significant financial loss for the government. The focus of the investigation is on identifying the flow of funds and determining whether any officials benefitted personally from the delays and cost escalations.

Background and scope of the investigation

Saurabh Bharadwaj has been a prominent figure in Delhi politics and has served in key administrative positions that involve large-scale planning and budget allocation for health projects. As Health Minister, he oversaw the implementation of numerous health infrastructure initiatives, including the 24 hospital projects now under scrutiny.

The Anti-Corruption Branch alleges that the projects have been delayed for several years and that the expenditure incurred far exceeds the original sanctioned amounts. These irregularities have raised questions about whether the funds allocated for public health were misused or diverted. The ED’s investigation seeks to trace financial transactions and uncover any money laundering activities linked to these projects.

Satyendra Jain, also a former Health Minister in Delhi, is another key figure named in the case. The ACB claims that both Bharadwaj and Jain were responsible for approving and supervising the projects, which makes them accountable for any irregularities. The investigation is looking into contracts, procurement processes, and payments to contractors to establish whether there was deliberate mismanagement of funds.

The hospitals involved in the case include both new constructions and upgrades of existing facilities. Delays in project completion have reportedly affected healthcare delivery in several areas, adding to public concern. Cost overruns and unexplained project slowdowns are at the center of the inquiry, with investigators examining whether these issues were caused by negligence or intentional misconduct.

Officials have stated that the ED raids are necessary to collect crucial documents, electronic records, and financial statements that could provide evidence of wrongdoing. Investigators are also examining links between contractors, middlemen, and officials who may have benefited from the irregularities.

ALSO READ: Why the UN declaring a famine in Gaza holds critical global importance | Explained

ALSO READ: Lipulekh Pass: Why it holds strategic importance and remains a dispute between India and Nepal

This case is seen as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability in government projects, especially those related to public health. The Delhi government had sanctioned the projects with the aim of improving hospital infrastructure and healthcare services, but the alleged mismanagement has led to scrutiny from anti-corruption agencies.

Bharadwaj’s role as MLA and former minister puts him at the center of political attention. The ED and ACB aim to complete the investigation thoroughly and determine whether criminal charges can be filed based on evidence collected during raids and document reviews.

In conclusion, the ED raids at Saurabh Bharadwaj’s residence are part of a detailed investigation into alleged corruption in Delhi’s health infrastructure projects. The case involves 24 hospitals sanctioned at a cost of ₹5,590 crores, with delays and cost overruns raising suspicions of financial irregularities. Both Bharadwaj and Satyendra Jain are under scrutiny for their roles in approving and supervising these projects. The investigation will focus on tracing funds, reviewing contracts, and determining whether there was deliberate misuse of government money. These steps aim to ensure accountability in public health projects and prevent misuse of taxpayer funds.