New Delhi [India], August 26 (HBTV): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in connection with a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects in the national capital.

The raids began early in the morning at 13 locations, including Bhardwaj's residence, across the Delhi-NCR region, based on a tip-off. The search operations are being carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

According to officials, the searches are connected with the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) recorded in the Delhi Hospital Construction Scam, which relates to an FIR (No. 37/2025) dated June 26, 2025, registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Delhi Police. The case names former Health Ministers of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), along with private contractors and unknown government officials.

Officials said the operations are based on material collected during the investigation and allegations regarding large-scale corruption, unjustified cost escalations, unauthorised constructions, and misappropriation of funds in health infrastructure projects of GNCTD.

The search teams have covered the residential premises of Bhardwaj as well as offices and residences of private contractors involved in the projects to trace evidence related to the diversion and laundering of public funds.

The ED is investigating financial transactions and suspected diversion of funds allocated for the construction of the Delhi hospital. Officials said the case stems from allegations that contracts were manipulated and funds misused, causing delays and cost escalations in crucial health infrastructure projects.

Bhardwaj, a senior AAP leader and sitting MLA, served as Delhi’s Health Minister during a period when the government announced plans to expand healthcare capacity. However, the project came under scrutiny after complaints surfaced about inflated bills, non-compliance with norms, and suspected collusion between contractors and officials.

(ANI)