Ranchi, April 4 — In a major development on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched simultaneous raids at 21 locations across India, including several in Ranchi, Jharkhand, as part of an investigation into massive alleged fraud in the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.
The raids, which began early in the morning, are underway in areas such as Ashok Nagar, PP Compound, Edalhatu, Bariatu, Lalpur, and Chiroundi in Ranchi. According to officials, these actions aim to uncover irregularities and potential money laundering linked to fictitious health treatments under the national healthcare scheme.
‘Dead Patients Received Treatment,’ Says CAG Report
The crackdown follows a damning report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which highlighted shocking lapses in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) in Jharkhand.
The report pointed out cases where deceased individuals were allegedly listed as patients receiving treatment, triggering questions about how hospital claims were processed and paid.
ED’s Financial Crime Probe in Full Swing
Prompted by the CAG revelations, the ED initiated a financial crimes probe. The agency requested details from the Jharkhand Health Department and State Health Society on any disciplinary or legal action taken against hospitals involved in the fraud.
Following the department’s submission of FIRs against some institutions, the ED registered the case as an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) and proceeded with coordinated action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Nationwide Scope: Raids Also in Delhi, UP, Bengal
Besides Ranchi, raids were also conducted in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and two locations in West Bengal, suggesting the scam’s reach may extend beyond Jharkhand.
Officials believe the fraudulent claim settlements could run into crores of rupees, with fake patients, inflated bills, and unauthorized procedures being at the core of the alleged scam.
What Is Ayushman Bharat?
The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY is one of the Indian government’s flagship health insurance schemes, offering up to ₹5 lakh annual coverage per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. It primarily targets poor and vulnerable populations.
The current probe raises serious concerns over the scheme’s implementation and monitoring, particularly in states with weaker healthcare infrastructure.
Next Steps
The ED is expected to interrogate hospital administrators, data operators, and intermediaries linked to the scheme. The agency is also likely to seize electronic devices, documents, and transaction records to build its case.
Authorities have stated that more details will be shared once the raids conclude and preliminary findings are reviewed.