The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown in Jharkhand, conducting raids at 21 locations across the state in connection with alleged irregularities in the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The case pertains to fraudulent claims made under the central government’s flagship health scheme, where funds were reportedly siphoned off without any actual treatment being provided.
According to sources, the ED is probing a money laundering case involving over 212 hospitals, insurance firms, and pharmaceutical companies. The investigation has revealed that in many instances, patients were not even admitted, yet payments were claimed and processed. A staggering Rs 40 crore in payments remains pending, adding to the gravity of the alleged scam.
Raids are currently underway at multiple locations in Ranchi, including Edalhatu, Bariatu, Lalpur, PP Compound, Chirondi, and Ashok Nagar. Simultaneous searches are being carried out in other parts of Jharkhand such as Dhanbad, as well as outside the state in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Delhi.
The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, launched by the central government, aims to provide free medical treatment to economically weaker families. Under the scheme, funds are allocated to empaneled hospitals for patient care. However, the alleged misuse of these funds in Jharkhand has raised serious concerns, prompting the ED’s intervention. The probe is now focused on tracing the money trail and identifying all entities involved in the suspected financial fraud.
