Covid jumbo centre scam: ED files chargesheet against Sanjay Raut aide

The agency has named others including Hemant Gupta, Sanjay Shah, Raju Salunkhe, Arvind Singh and Lifeline Hospital Management Services.

The case relates to Covid centres set up in Mumbai by the government during the pandemic.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was tasked with providing healthcare staff and other facilities on a contract basis.

A complaint was filed last year by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) based on which the ED filed its case.

While seeking his remand in July, the ED had alleged the Patkar obtained the contract for Lifeline, in which he was a partner, to run a jumbo centre and supply medical staff, “by influencing political leaders”.

The ED claims that out of the around Rs 32 crore spent by the BMC in paying against the services availed or materials received from Lifeline Hospital Management Services, around Rs 22 crore was laundered.

The ED alleged that money was routed through shell companies and that huge cash amounts were withdrawn.

The agency alleged that to siphon off the money, some payments were made to eligible individuals but later they returned the money in cash to the suspects.

The ED has also questioned others in the case including an IAS officer. It has said that it will continue its probe in the case.