According to officials familiar with the investigation, the ED plans to conduct an extensive interrogation focusing on financial transactions linked to the scam. Investigators believe Chopra played a central role in manipulating government procurement processes and routing funds through multiple channels during the previous Bhupesh Baghel-led government.
Once remand is granted, ED officers will question Chopra on the operational structure of Mokshit Corporation, its dealings with CGMSC, and alleged coordination with officials accused of facilitating inflated purchases. The agency is also expected to examine banking trails, beneficiary accounts, and the movement of funds suspected to be proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Officials said Chopra’s interrogation could significantly widen the scope of the probe. “His statements are crucial to identifying other collaborators, shell entities, and the financial architecture used to execute the scam,” an officer said, adding that further searches and summons may follow.
The CGMSC scam revolves around alleged large-scale irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment, drugs and reagents for government hospitals. Investigators claim that senior officials and private suppliers acted in collusion to carry out purchases at highly inflated prices within an unusually short period.
As per the case details, procurements worth around ₹750 crore were cleared in just 27 days, allegedly resulting in a loss of ₹411 crore to the state exchequer. Items reportedly priced at a fraction of their market value were purchased at several times their cost. For instance, an EDTA tube available for ₹8 was allegedly procured at ₹2,352, while a CBS machine costing around ₹5 lakh was purchased for ₹17 lakh. Reagents worth nearly ₹300 crore were also bought under the scanner.
Apart from Mokshit Corporation, the investigation has named several other firms, including Records and Medicare Systems, Shri Sharda Industries and CB Corporation. Senior IAS and IFS officers are also under scrutiny for their alleged role in approving and expediting the purchases.
The ED believes that questioning Chopra in custody will help establish the money trail and determine accountability across the network. Officials indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.
The special court’s decision on ED’s remand plea is expected to shape the next phase of the high-profile probe.
