The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leaders seem to be facing troubles again. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered three new money laundering cases concerning scams that emerged during the party's term in Delhi's government.
The ED has filed an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) pertaining to the hospital construction scam, CCTV scam, and shelter home (DUSIB) scam. Sources indicate that senior AAP leaders might soon be summoned.
The 5,590 Crore Hospital Construction Scam
In 2018-19, the Delhi government approved 24 new hospital projects, promising fully-equipped ICU hospitals within six months. However, after three years, 50% of the work remains incomplete, with over 800 crore rupees already spent. The cost for LNJP hospital alone surged from 488 crore to 1,135 crore rupees. Suspicions arise over unapproved construction, dubious contractors, and a pending HIMS system since 2016. Questions are being raised about the roles of former health ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj and Satyendra Jain in this matter.
The 571 Crore CCTV Scam
In 2019, a project to install 1.4 lakh CCTV cameras across 70 assembly areas in Delhi was launched. The contract was awarded to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), but the work remained unfinished on time. BEL was fined 17 crore rupees, which was later waived without explanation. It is alleged that a 7 crore rupee bribe was paid to Satyendra Jain in exchange, reportedly facilitated through contractors.
The 207 Crore DUSIB/Shelter Home Scam
Numerous discrepancies have surfaced related to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). Allegations of a 207 crore rupee fraud through fake fixed deposit receipts have emerged. A 15 lakh rupee road scam in Patel Nagar, ghost workers during lockdown, and fictitious constructions have been showcased, amounting to projects worth up to 250 crore rupees on paper. These schemes allegedly funneled commissions to the leaders.
In all these matters, the CBI and Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) were already investigating. Based on the FIRs registered by these agencies, the ED has now filed money laundering charges. Sources suggest potential interrogation of several senior AAP leaders and raids on their premises.
