On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided several private hospitals in Kangra, Una, and Kullu districts as part of a money laundering probe related to the alleged Ayushman Bharat scheme fraud. Among the targeted hospitals were Fortis Hospital in Kangra, owned by Congress MLA RS Bali, and Shri Balaji Hospital, owned by Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) treasurer Rajesh Sharma. Additionally, Banke Bihari Hospital in Una was also raided.

RS Bali, who also serves as the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, stated, “We have provided all documents sought by the ED. Fortis follows the best ethical practices, and I am sure nothing will come out against the institution. Presently, I am out of station on vacation with my family and will be back soon. I will cooperate fully with the agency.” Sharma was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.

Sources indicated that the ED is investigating an alleged fraud involving Rs 25 crore through the misuse of Ayushman Bharat cards in the state. They revealed that many medical bills were generated using “fake” cards, resulting in a loss to the exchequer. The agency reportedly discovered that a total of 8,937 Ayushman Bharat cards had been scrapped in the state due to alleged violations.

The ED’s investigation found that Bankey Bihari Hospital in Una, along with Fortis Hospital, Shri Balaji Hospital, Sood Nursing Home, and Sri Harihar Hospital in Kangra, availed themselves of “illegal benefits” under the central scheme.

These raids were conducted based on a case registered by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in Una in July last year. The case was filed under Sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the IPC against Kiran Soni, the owner of Banke Bihari Hospital. Subsequently, the ED registered another case on July 16, 2024, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as part of its ongoing investigation.