Case filed against security firms and officials for alleged malpractices in Guard recruitment
The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has initiated a corruption investigation involving three security service firms and unnamed government and private officials, concerning alleged malpractices in the hiring of security guards for Delhi government hospitals.
Joint Commissioner of Police (ACB) Madhur Verma stated that the FIR was filed following multiple complaints of “malpractices” and “embezzlement” of government funds by private manpower/security provider companies in collusion with government officials.
“Verification revealed that these private entities, and government officials, are engaged in various malpractices and violations of tender conditions and established procedures for providing security personnel at different Delhi government hospitals,” Verma said.
Officials reported that the agencies allegedly breached tender norms by recruiting unqualified security personnel without verifying their criminal backgrounds. Additionally, they were accused of receiving payments without deploying the agreed number of security guards, sometimes charging multiple hospitals for the same guard.
“There are also allegations of bribes being demanded from security personnel for new recruitment and instances of one person being deployed in multiple hospitals, with agencies claiming bills from each hospital,” officials added, noting that hundreds of contractual employees were involved.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched to uncover the conspiracy and determine the culpability of the involved government officials and private individuals.
In response, the Delhi government stated, “Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had highlighted corruption in the hiring of contractual manpower soon after taking office. Recently, Minister Bharadwaj sent a detailed note to the Secretary of Health, directing the cessation of hiring manpower through private contractors and the initiation of hiring through PSUs under state and central government.”
On July 19, Bharadwaj noted, “Despite repeated directions, the situation on the ground has not changed. Strict punishment should be given to those responsible for continuing this corrupt practice. A thorough inquiry should determine why officials ignored repeated reminders by the Health Minister.”
