In a significant development, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have uncovered a potential key role played by Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sanjeev Jaiswal in an alleged scam involving Rs 38 crore in Covid jumbo centers. The ED's investigation took a major turn as they raided Jaiswal's Bandra (East) residence, seizing Rs 13 lakh in cash and critical property documents. Additionally, the agency has identified multiple properties, valued at over Rs 100 crore, linked to the officer, including a half-acre land in Madh Island.
ED Expands Probe, Searches Locations of Senior BMC Officials
Continuing their intensified efforts to unearth the truth, the ED conducted searches at four different locations, two of which belong to senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, along with a suspect supplier. These searches are part of the agency's mission to ascertain the extent to which these properties are connected to the proceeds of criminal activities.
Jaiswal Claims Being Made Scapegoat, Alleges Involvement of Senior Bureaucrats
Amidst the ongoing ED crackdown, Sanjeev Jaiswal vehemently denies his sole involvement in the alleged scam, claiming that he is being unfairly targeted as a scapegoat. According to Jaiswal, he operated on behalf of the state government during the Covid pandemic and was not solely responsible for equipment procurement, medication acquisition, and contract approvals. He alleges that several senior bureaucrats and civic officials were also implicated in the scandal, emphasizing that he alone is being singled out. Furthermore, he asserts that the properties currently under investigation by the ED are ancestral and have significantly appreciated in value due to prevailing market conditions.
ED Summons Jaiswal for Questioning, Second Summon to be Issued
Despite being summoned by the agency for questioning, Sanjeev Jaiswal failed to appear, citing the need for additional time. As a result, the ED plans to issue a second summon to ensure his cooperation in the investigation. At the time of reporting, Jaiswal could not be reached for comment.
Emails Sent to Doctors to Uncover Billing Irregularities
As part of their extensive investigation, the ED has reached out to approximately 200-300 doctors who rendered their services during the pandemic. The agency aims to shed light on possible irregularities in billing procedures. Sources reveal that some doctors reported working for a period of 15-30 days for the BMC; however, the entire year's billing was falsely attributed to them. Transactions and records discovered by the ED indicate a substantial billing total of Rs 20 crore.
Key Suspects Summoned for Questioning
In the coming week, the ED plans to summon key suspects for questioning as they intensify their efforts to unravel the truth behind the alleged scam. Notably, the agency has already seized 12 mobile phones belonging to BMC officials, middlemen, suppliers, and contractors. Scrutiny of WhatsApp communications involving the four partners of Lifeline Hospital Management Services has yielded crucial leads, according to ED sources.
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