Delhi Health- Procurement Case Leads to Arrest of Two Senior Officials
Delhi Health- The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has intensified its investigation into an alleged procurement scam involving medical supplies by arresting two senior former officials of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Former Director General of Health Services Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and Deputy Controller of Accounts Neeraj Chopra were taken into custody over allegations of irregularities in the purchase of medicines, medical equipment, surgical consumables and other healthcare supplies. The case is linked to suspected manipulation in government procurement procedures that allegedly caused financial losses to the public exchequer.
Probe Focuses on Procurement Process
According to officials, the investigation began after the Directorate of Vigilance submitted a complaint highlighting suspected irregularities in procurement handled by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) under the DGHS. Investigators believe that certain government officials deliberately altered tender conditions, procurement procedures and technical specifications to favour selected suppliers while limiting fair competition among eligible bidders.
The alleged irregularities relate to the purchase of several medical items, including portable X-ray machines, C-arm radiology equipment, anaesthesia workstations, bed sheets, linen supplies and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). Authorities suspect that these products were procured at prices significantly higher than market rates through manipulated tender processes.
Allegations of Favouritism in Tenders
Investigators have alleged that technical specifications were designed in a way that benefited a limited number of companies while preventing other qualified firms from participating in the bidding process. Based on these allegations, the Anti-Corruption Branch registered a case on June 2 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
As part of the ongoing investigation, Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga, who previously served as the Head of Office of the Central Procurement Agency, was arrested on June 18. He remains in judicial custody while investigators continue examining procurement records and the involvement of other officials connected to the case.
Fresh Arrests During Investigation
During the course of the inquiry, investigators found material that allegedly pointed to the involvement of Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and Neeraj Chopra. Following detailed questioning, both officials were arrested on Saturday.
They were later produced before a court, where the Anti-Corruption Branch requested one-day police custody. Investigators informed the court that additional custodial interrogation was required to recover electronic records, collect documentary evidence and trace procurement files that are reportedly missing from official records.
Political Response Over Previous Appointment
The arrests have also triggered political reactions. Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that Dr Aggarwal had been appointed as Director General of Health Services in August 2025 despite an ongoing vigilance inquiry related to alleged irregularities in appointments made at the Delhi State Cancer Institute.
While the investigation into the procurement case continues, officials have indicated that efforts are underway to examine financial records, procurement documents and electronic evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged misconduct. Authorities have not ruled out further action if additional evidence emerges during the ongoing probe.