A sting operation has revealed alleged negotiations between health department personnel and an undercover reporter regarding the reopening of a sealed facility, with discussions centering on financial settlements and formal clearance. The recorded exchange documents talks with an Additional Chief Medical Officer, identified as Dr AP Singh, and an intermediary named Sanjeev, who reportedly offered to lower the financial demand for the clearance.
Negotiations Surface Over Reopening Sealed Facility
According to the recorded conversation, the reporter approached Dr AP Singh after discussing terms with an associate who claimed the matter could be arranged at a reduced cost. When asked whether a deal should be finalized directly with that person, Dr Singh agreed without objection. The reporter stated that an expenditure beyond two lakh rupees would not be viable, citing high rental costs amounting to one and a half lakh rupees. Although Dr Singh pointed out that the premises were currently sealed, the reporter requested him to clear the way and assured him that the remaining issues would be handled locally. The officer agreed to the arrangement and provided his mobile contact number, ending in several concealed digits, to continue future conversations over WhatsApp calls.
Clerk Steps In To Settle Lower Amount
Following the conversation with the ACMO, the reporter met Sanjeev to discuss the financial terms of the arrangement. The reporter pointed out that an agent had earlier demanded an amount of four lakh rupees for getting the same work done. Sanjeev intervened in the negotiation, assuring the reporter that he would ensure the entire matter was resolved for a significantly smaller sum than the initial quotation.
Health Authorities Face Scrutiny Over Oversight
The exchange highlights critical concerns regarding administrative compliance and regulatory enforcement within the public health network. While departmental procedures require strict legal compliance before any sealed medical establishment can be permitted to operate again, the documented conversation indicates backchannel negotiations to bypass statutory restrictions through direct monetary settlements.
