Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch Investigates AAP Leaders Over Hospital Construction Irregularities

The Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch has filed a first information report against AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain, following allegations of financial misconduct in the construction of 24 hospitals. The investigation stems from a complaint by BJP MLA Vijender Gupta, who accused the leaders of budget manipulation and collusion with contractors. Significant delays and cost overruns have been reported, raising concerns about the management of public funds. The FIR also highlights issues with an Intensive Care Unit project and polyclinic constructions, many of which remain non-functional. This investigation underscores ongoing scrutiny of public health projects in Delhi.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2025, 18:39 IST

Investigation Launched Against AAP Leaders

On Thursday, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi government initiated an investigation by filing a first information report (FIR) against former ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This action is linked to alleged misconduct in the construction of 24 hospitals.

The allegations originated from a complaint lodged by BJP MLA Vijender Gupta in August, who accused Bharadwaj and Jain of manipulating project budgets, misusing public funds, and colluding with private contractors.

During the 2018-2019 period, the AAP government approved 24 hospital projects, which included 11 greenfield and 13 brownfield initiatives, with a total budget of Rs 5,590 crore. However, significant delays and cost overruns, reportedly amounting to several hundred crores, have been identified in these projects, as stated by Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma.

Verma noted that none of these projects have been completed within the designated timelines.

In the context of these projects, 'brownfield' refers to the enhancement of existing facilities, while 'greenfield' pertains to the establishment of new ones.

The FIR also highlights alleged discrepancies in the Rs 1,125 crore Intensive Care Unit hospital project, which was expected to be completed in six months but is only 50% finished after nearly three years and an expenditure of Rs 800 crore.

Upon investigating Gupta's claims, the ACB discovered unauthorized constructions at government hospitals located in Jwalapuri and Madipur.

Additionally, the construction costs for a new block at Lok Nayak Jaya Prakash Hospital surged from Rs 488 crore to Rs 1,135 crore, with the project still incomplete, despite a deadline of January 2023.

There were also significant financial mismanagement issues noted in a polyclinic project, where only 52 out of 94 clinics were constructed, and costs escalated from Rs 168 crore to Rs 220 crore. Many of these polyclinics are reportedly non-operational.

Furthermore, the Health Information Management System, which was proposed in 2016-2017 to enhance transparency, has yet to be implemented.