Officials pointed out that the firms allegedly breached tender norms by hiring unqualified security personnel without verifying their criminal backgrounds
The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi government has filed a corruption case against three security service firms and unidentified government and private officials. The case involves alleged malpractices in hiring security guards for Delhi government hospitals, according to officials.
Joint Commissioner of Police (ACB) Madhur Verma stated that the FIR was registered following multiple complaints of “malpractices” and “embezzlement” of government funds by private manpower/security providers, in collusion with government officials.
“Verification revealed that these private companies, in connivance with government officials, were involved in various malpractices and violations of tender conditions, as well as established procedures for providing security personnel at different Delhi government hospitals,” Verma explained.
Officials pointed out that the firms allegedly breached tender norms by hiring unqualified security personnel without verifying their criminal backgrounds. In some instances, they reportedly billed hospitals without deploying the agreed number of security guards.
“There are also allegations that one person was deployed in multiple hospitals, allowing agencies to claim bills from more than one hospital. Additionally, they demanded bribes from security personnel for new recruitment,” officials stated, adding that hundreds of contractual employees were deployed by these companies across different Delhi government hospitals.
A thorough investigation is underway to uncover the conspiracy and determine the roles and responsibilities of the involved government officials and private individuals.
Responding to the situation, the Delhi government noted, “Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had highlighted corruption in hiring contractual manpower soon after taking office. Just a few days ago, Minister Bharadwaj sent a detailed note to the Secretary of Health, directing a halt to the practice of hiring manpower through private contractors, and instead, to start hiring through state and central government PSUs.”
Officials mentioned that on July 19, Bharadwaj wrote, “Despite repeated directives, no changes have been observed on the ground. Those responsible for perpetuating this corrupt practice should be strictly punished. A thorough inquiry should investigate why officials ignored repeated reminders by the Health Minister.”
