Probe into AIIMS graft stalled: CVC
In what seems to be a delay in investigation by the Union health ministry in cases related to alleged financial irregularities in the AIIMS, the Central Vigilance Commission in an affidavit disclosed that many corruption cases were pending with the ministry for past many months. On the other hand, the Union health ministry in its affidavit in the Delhi high court said that disclosure of major corruption cases would jeopardise the outcome of the proceedings and hamper the trials.
In a PIL, the Centre for Public Interest Litigation pleaded that a status report of pending departmental cases and investigation by the CBI in the cases of irregularities, illegalities and corruption in the AIIMS recommended by its former chief vigilance officer ( CVO) Sanjiv Chaturvedi.
The Union health ministry in its affidavit said, “It is felt that disclosure of details of proceedings, which needless to say are confidential in nature, that are pending may jeopardise the outcome of such proceedings and prejudice fair trial, if such details become available publicly during pendency.”
The CVC, however, gave details it received from CVO, AIIMS during 2012- 14. The CVC in its affidavit provided status report of 21 corruption cases received during the said period.
Some of cases pending with the ministry related to former deputy director ( administration) Vineet Chaudhary. According to the CVC, pending cases against Mr Chaudhary include treatment of pet dogs at AIIMS, irregularities in appointment of consultants and construction work, renovation of office of deputy director ( administration).
The CVC pointed out that the Union government is a competent authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Mr Chaudhary. The CVC noted that the tentative view taken by the Union health minister in this case was in his capacity as AIIMS president and not in his capacity as the minister in- charge of the health ministry. On November 7, the CVC advised the ministry of health CVO to take necessary action at its end. It took three months for the Union health ministry to inform the CVC that the case is under submission to the disciplinary authority in the ministry.
Similarly, in another case involving Mr Chaudhary and others regarding alleged illegal gratification and financial loss in procurement of uniforms for AIIMS staff, on September 30 last year, the CVC advised the CVO to take necessary action at their end. The CVC has not received any further information till date.