New Delhi: A major racket involving the theft and illegal sale of government-supplied medicines has been exposed in the national capital, with five accused arrested, including hospital staff. The case has revealed a well-organised network that diverted life-saving medicines meant for free distribution to patients and sold them in the open market for profit. The seized medicines are estimated to be worth around ₹70 lakh.
According to the investigation, the main accused, Binesh Kumar, who was working as a pharmacist-cum-storekeeper at a government hospital, played a key role in siphoning off medicines from the hospital’s inventory. He allegedly worked in coordination with his associate Prakash Mehto to remove stock from the store and pass it on to other members of the network—Neeraj Kumar, Sushil Kumar, and Laxman Mukhia—who handled distribution in the market.
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From Hospital Store to Market Supply Chain
The racket operated through a structured supply chain. Medicines were first taken out of the hospital store and then transported via vehicles to different locations for distribution. During the operation, authorities seized a mini tempo and a car that were being used to transport the stolen drugs.
Investigators found that Neeraj Kumar, linked to the network, was involved in pharmaceutical trade in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He not only sold these government medicines through his own channels but also supplied them to other retailers. This indicates that the network extended beyond Delhi into multiple states.
Life-Saving Medicines Diverted
The recovered stock included antibiotics, antivirals, rabies-related drugs, and injections used in the treatment of serious illnesses. Many of these medicines are typically provided free of cost to patients in government hospitals.
Experts have raised serious concerns, stating that such black marketing is not just an economic offence but also a grave threat to public health. Medicines meant for needy patients were being illegally diverted for commercial gain.
Raid Leads to Breakthrough
The case came to light after a tip-off regarding the movement of a large consignment of medicines from areas like Rajendra Market and Tis Hazari. Acting on this information, authorities intercepted a car and a mini tempo loaded with medicines and arrested three accused—Neeraj Kumar, Sushil Kumar, and Laxman Mukhia—on the spot.
During interrogation, the accused revealed details of the entire network, leading to the arrest of Binesh Kumar and Prakash Mehto from the hospital.
Internal Inquiry Initiated
Following the revelations, the hospital administration has constituted an internal inquiry committee. There are indications that more staff members could come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses. The medicine store linked to the case has reportedly been sealed, and records are being examined in detail.
Administrative sources suggest that strict action, including suspension and dismissal, may be taken against those found guilty.
Signs of a Larger Organised Network
Preliminary findings suggest that this was not an isolated incident but part of a larger, well-coordinated network. Different individuals handled different roles—procurement, transportation, and distribution—allowing the racket to operate smoothly over a long period.
Need for Stronger Monitoring
The case has once again highlighted gaps in monitoring within the public healthcare system. Experts recommend implementing digital tracking systems, stricter inventory controls, and regular audits to prevent such leakages in the future.
Serious Impact on Public Health
The illegal diversion of government medicines directly affects vulnerable patients who rely on free treatment. Such practices not only deprive them of essential medicines but also undermine trust in the public healthcare system.
The incident in New Delhi serves as a stark warning. Unless strict measures are taken to curb such organised rackets, the problem could escalate further. Investigations are ongoing, and more revelations are expected in the coming days.
