Telangana ACB carries out searches in Medicine Purchase Scam

Simultaneous searches were conducted by the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in the offices and residences of the officials of Insurance Medical Services (IMS) and other involved parties on Thursday. The probe was conducted into an alleged scam in the purchase of medicines for state-run hospitals and dispensaries.

The government directed the Anti Corruption Bureau to take up the probe. According to the government, the Director of IMS and other officials were involved in making fake indents, making fake records, violating the rules and regulations in the purchase of medicines, surgical kits and caused loss to the exchequer.

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Case Registered

A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Indian Penal Code sections and the searches were conducted at the offices and residences of Director and Joint Director of IMS and 15 other officials besides at the premises of four private individuals, including a reporter of a Telugu TV channel, a release by ACB said.

The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) said in its release, "In all, searches were being carried out at 21 places in the city and one place in Warrangal and Mahabubabad. Earlier, the vigilance and enforcement wing had held an inquiry into the allegations that no proper eligibility criteria were followed by the Director of IMS in the selection of firms for supply of medicines."

A report was filed by the wing in March this year as it found medicines that were bought at exorbitant prices which is in violation of the procurement procedures and the e-tender process. Alleged irregularities were listed as per the ACB release. As per the ACB, fake indents for medicines worth Rs 1.03 crore were prepared by the Joint Director in May last year and the bills were cleared by the Director.

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(With Inputs from PTI)