New Delhi: In Delhi’s alleged ₹840 crore medical procurement scam, the Rouse Avenue Court has rejected the regular bail plea of Neeraj Chopra, former Deputy Controller of Accounts (DCA) in the Central Procurement Agency (CPA). Special Judge Vidya Prakash refused relief, citing the seriousness of the allegations, the accused’s alleged role and the ongoing investigation.
The court said that the filing of a chargesheet alone does not give an accused person a right to bail. The investigating agency is still examining financial transactions linked to co-accused Rajiv Kumar alias Rajiv Rangeela and other individuals and companies. The court expressed concern that, if released, the accused could use the advantage of his former senior position and familiarity with officials to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
During the hearing, the defence argued that Chopra had no direct connection with the procurement process for medicines, medical equipment and hospital supplies. The prosecution opposed this, alleging that Chopra was a financial member of the procurement committees and that files and payments related to tenders moved through him. The investigating agency has accused him of violating rules and alleged collusion.
The case alleges that tenders for the procurement of medicines and medical equipment for Delhi government hospitals were influenced in favour of selected companies. According to the prosecution, five major beneficiary companies were paid about ₹839 crore from the public exchequer.
The court clarified that the observations made on the bail plea are only for disposal of this application and should not be treated as a decision on the final merits of the case.
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