Fake Ayushman Bharat IDs: ED Raids 19 Sites Including Himachal MLA, CM Aide

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted raids at 19 locations across Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Among the premises searched were those of Himachal Pradesh Congress MLA RS Bali and Rajesh Sharma, an associate of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The raids are part of an investigation into alleged fake Ayushman Bharat ID cards and violations of the scheme by several hospitals.

The ED targeted properties in five districts of Himachal Pradesh: Kangra, Una, Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu. The raids included the residence of Bali, a Congress MLA from Nagrota, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), and Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board. Rajesh Sharma, associated with Shree Balaji Hospital in Kangra, was also raided due to his connection with the alleged fraud.

The case involves the alleged creation of fake Ayushman Bharat AB-PMJAY cards, and violations of the scheme by various hospitals. These fake IDs reportedly led to numerous fraudulent medical bills, causing financial losses to both the government and the public.

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