AAP in Trouble Again! ED Searches 13 Locations Linked to Former Delhi Minister
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched a massive raid against AAP senior leader and former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, targeting 13 locations including his residence. The action is linked to the alleged ₹5,590 crore hospital construction scam in Delhi.
According to officials, the case pertains to Delhi government’s health projects approved in 2018-19, which included 24 hospitals (11 greenfield and 13 brownfield projects). The projects were meant to be completed within six months, but till date, not a single one has been fully constructed. Nearly ₹800 crore has already been spent, yet only about 50% of the work has been completed.
The cost of Lok Nayak Hospital alone escalated from ₹488 crore to ₹1,135 crore, raising serious questions about financial mismanagement. Allegations suggest that construction in several hospitals began without proper administrative approval. The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) had earlier found major irregularities and delays in hospitals, polyclinics, and ICU facility projects.
In June 2024, the ACB registered a corruption case against Bhardwaj and former minister Satyendar Jain. Following this, the ED booked a money laundering case in July 2024. The controversy escalated after Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta raised the issue in the Delhi Assembly in August 2024, accusing the government of budget manipulation, misuse of public funds, and collusion with private contractors.
The ED’s latest action has sent shockwaves through Delhi’s political circles, bringing another major crisis for the Aam Aadmi Party at a time when preparations for upcoming elections are in full swing.