New Delhi | HL June 28, 2026
In a major breakthrough in the alleged Rs. 650-crore health procurement scam, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi Government has arrested former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal and former Deputy Controller of Accounts (DCA) of the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), Neeraj Chopra, over alleged irregularities in the purchase of medicines, surgical consumables and medical equipment.
The arrests were made on June 27 after prolonged questioning. Both accused were produced before the Rouse Avenue Court, where the ACB sought one day of police custody for further interrogation.
Earlier, on June 18, the ACB had arrested Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga, the then head of the Central Procurement Agency, in connection with the same case. He is currently in judicial custody.
Investigation Triggered by Vigilance Complaint
According to investigators, the case originated from a complaint forwarded by the Delhi Government’s Vigilance Department. The complaint alleged serious irregularities in procurement carried out by the Central Procurement Agency, which functions under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The agency is responsible for purchasing medicines, surgical consumables, medical devices and other healthcare supplies for government hospitals and health institutions across Delhi.
The complaint alleged that procurement procedures were manipulated through tailor-made tender conditions and altered technical specifications, enabling a select group of private suppliers to secure contracts at inflated prices.
Investigators suspect that these practices resulted in a substantial financial loss to the government exchequer while providing undue benefits to selected vendors.
Procurement Under Scanner
The ACB investigation covers procurement of several medical items, including:
Portable X-ray machines
C-arm radiological equipment
Anaesthesia workstations
Bedsheets
ORS supplies
Surgical consumables
Medicines
Other medical equipment and healthcare supplies
According to the investigation, many of these items were allegedly purchased at prices significantly higher than prevailing market rates. Officials also suspect that tender eligibility conditions and technical specifications were framed in a manner that restricted competition, effectively favouring predetermined suppliers.
FIR Registered in June
The Anti-Corruption Branch registered an FIR on June 2, 2026, based on the vigilance complaint.
During scrutiny of procurement records, financial documents and official files, investigators allegedly found evidence indicating the involvement of senior officials, leading to the arrests of Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal and Neeraj Chopra.
The probe is expected to examine the decision-making process, approval chain, financial sanctions and tender evaluation procedures adopted during the procurement exercise.
Third Senior Officer Already Arrested
The latest arrests come days after the ACB took into custody Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga, the then head of the Central Procurement Agency. Officials believe his interrogation has helped investigators trace the alleged administrative and financial approvals behind the procurement decisions.
With three senior officials now under arrest, investigators are examining whether the alleged irregularities were part of a larger procurement network involving multiple officials and suppliers.
Allegations Yet to Be Proven
The investigation remains at a preliminary stage. The allegations against the arrested officials are currently under investigation, and their culpability will ultimately be determined through the judicial process. The ACB has indicated that further arrests or questioning of other individuals may follow depending on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
