NRHM scam: CBI registers four new cases; searches on

NEW DELHI: The CBI has registered four new cases in connection with alleged graft in the use of central funds allocated to Uttar Pradesh under the National Rural Health Mission.

The agency started a search operation last evening at six locations in Ghaziabad, Lucknow and Agra in Uttar Pradesh and Vapi in Gujarat in connection with the case.

The search operations are continuing today, CBI sources said.

Of the four cases registered by the agency, first is against officials of Directorate General, Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh for the purchase of huge quantities of Leomizole tablets to the tune of Rs 2.47 crore from a private firm at exorbitant rate by ignoring the cheaper alternative available, the sources said.

The second case was registered against District Health officials of Lucknow and a private firm on the allegation that a sum of Rs 12.5 lakhs under NRHM funds meant for upgradation of hospital etc. was misappropriated, CBI sources said.

The third case is against private persons for alleged fraudulent receipts of huge amount in the name of Rajasthan Drugs and Pharmaceutical Ltd (RDPL) by opening a bank account in the name of the company and encashment of cheques meant for it, the sources said.

"The allegations are of procuring orders under NRHM in the name of a state PSU while the payments received were being diverted to a personal account of the accused," an official concerned with the probe said.

The details of fourth case were not revealed by the agency.

When contacted, CBI spokesperson confirmed registration of four new cases in connection with the NRHM scam.

With the registration of new cases, 18 new cases have been registered by the agency in the alleged irregularities of use of NRHM funds.