ACB Opposes Interim Bail to Ex-DGHS, Co-Accused in Rs 700-Crore Delhi Medical Scam
The Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on Friday opposed the interim bail pleas of former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Vatsala Aggarwal and co-accused Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga in connection with an alleged Rs 700-crore medical procurement scam in New Delhi.
Opposing the pleas before Special Judge Vidya Prakash, the prosecution submitted that Aggarwal and Ranga colluded to concentrate decision-making powers in their own hands. The agency alleged that the accused deliberately bypassed two middle-level officers to assume authority over key decisions to favour certain bidders, including alleged mastermind Rajeev Kumar Rangeela, who did not possess the required experience or financial turnover.
During the arguments on Ranga's bail application, the ACB stated that he had kept crucial procurement files in his personal custody. The prosecution noted that these key documents remain missing and argued that releasing Ranga on interim bail at this stage could adversely affect the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, 61-year-old Aggarwal sought interim bail on medical grounds, citing multiple health conditions including hypertension, bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, and breathing difficulties. Her legal counsel argued that she is currently undergoing medical treatment and submitted that her continued custody was unjustified given her health status.
Aggarwal's counsel submitted to the court that the primary consideration at this stage should be whether continued custody is conducive to her medical condition, rather than determining her guilt. Emphasising that every individual has the right to proper medical treatment regardless of the seriousness of the offence, the counsel offered to abide by stringent conditions, including movement monitoring by the investigating officer.
Special Judge Vidya Prakash heard the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence counsels and reserved the order on the interim bail applications for Monday.
