RAIPUR: The Enforcement Directorate’s widening investigation into a major procurement scandal in Chhattisgarh has begun to redraw the contours of how public health contracts were awarded, executed and allegedly exploited, as investigators trace financial trails that they say point to collusion across government offices and private firms.
The Enforcement Directorate on Monday expanded its inquiry into an alleged ₹660-crore drug and medical equipment procurement scam linked to the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited, signaling that more arrests could follow as the case moves into what officials describe as a decisive phase. Central to the investigation is Shashank Chopra, director of the Durg-based Mokshit Corporation, who is expected to be produced before a special court after the completion of his custodial remand.
Investigators say the case hinges on how public contracts for medicines, medical equipment and laboratory reagents were allegedly manipulated over a brief but intense period, resulting in substantial losses to the state exchequer. The allegations, which Chopra has not publicly responded to, form part of a broader probe into suspected money laundering and tender rigging within the state’s health procurement system.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
A Rapid Procurement Surge Under Scrutiny
According to the Enforcement Directorate, the suspected scam involved procurement worth nearly ₹750 crore carried out within a span of just 27 days. Officials allege that the unusually rapid purchasing cycle raised early red flags, particularly as contracts were awarded at inflated prices and, in some cases, for supplies that were later found to be fake or irregular.
Investigators contend that suppliers and senior officials worked in concert to bypass standard safeguards built into the tendering process. The purchases covered a wide range of essential items, including drugs, medical equipment and laboratory reagents—categories that are typically subject to heightened scrutiny because of their impact on public health spending.
Interrogations and the Expanding Cast of Accused
Chopra’s questioning, officials said, has yielded what they describe as “significant inputs” on manipulated tenders, commission arrangements and suspicious financial transactions. During interrogation, he reportedly named six associated businessmen and collaborators, prompting the agency to widen the scope of the probe.
The ED has also alleged that certain CGMSC officials extended protection to Chopra and other accused during the execution of the alleged scam. Among those named are Dr Anil Parsai, Deepak Kumar Bandhe, Basant Kumar Kaushik, Kamalkant Patanwar and Kshirod Routia. All five are currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail in connection with the case.
Officials familiar with the investigation said Chopra was confronted with documents linked to fake invoices, bank transfers and the supply-chain networks of several firms allegedly used to siphon off public funds. His role in moving money through suspected benami channels is also under examination.
Parallel Investigations and Financial Trails
While the ED focuses on alleged money laundering aspects, the Economic Offences Wing is conducting a parallel investigation into the underlying procurement irregularities. Senior officials said the two agencies are coordinating to map how proceeds of the alleged crime were routed through multiple entities.
“The questioning has provided leads on how the tender process was allegedly rigged and how proceeds of crime were routed,” a senior official involved in the case said, adding that financial linkages of those named are now being verified. With Chopra’s five-day ED remand ending on Monday, investigators are expected to seek further legal directions from the court based on the fresh disclosures.
A Case Entering a Critical Phase
As new names continue to surface during interrogations, enforcement agencies are preparing to intensify searches, financial scrutiny and legal action in the coming days. Officials say the immediate focus is on tracing the money trail to identify additional beneficiaries and to establish the full extent of what they describe as a coordinated laundering network.
For now, the investigation remains centered on the mechanics of procurement and payment—how contracts were structured, how funds moved, and who benefited
