According to ED officials, Chopra’s interrogation has yielded significant inputs related to the alleged manipulation of tenders, commission arrangements, fake supplies and suspicious financial transactions. During questioning, Chopra reportedly named six associated businessmen and collaborators, prompting the agency to widen the scope of the probe.
Chopra was taken on ED remand till January 19. Officials said he was confronted with documents related to fake invoices, bank transactions and the supply chain network of several firms allegedly used to siphon off public money. Investigators also examined his role in the movement of funds through suspected benami channels.
“The questioning has provided leads on how the tender process was allegedly rigged and how proceeds of crime were routed through multiple entities,” a senior official said, adding that financial linkages of those named are currently being verified.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is carrying out a parallel investigation into the case. With Chopra’s five-day ED remand ending on Monday, the agency is expected to seek further legal directions from the court based on the fresh disclosures.
The ED has also alleged that certain CGMSC officials extended protection to Chopra and other accused during the execution of the alleged scam. Officials named by the agency include Dr Anil Parsai, Deepak Kumar Bandhe, Basant Kumar Kaushik, Kamalkant Patanwar and Kshirod Routia. All five are currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail in connection with the case.
Investigators claim the scam involved the procurement of drugs, medical equipment and laboratory reagents worth nearly ₹750 crore within a span of just 27 days. The purchases were allegedly carried out through collusion between suppliers and senior officials, including then IAS and IFS officers, resulting in substantial losses to the state exchequer.
According to the ED, inflated pricing, manipulated tenders and fake or irregular supplies formed the core of the alleged fraud. The agency believes that tracing the financial trail will help identify additional beneficiaries and uncover the full extent of the money laundering network.
With new names emerging during interrogation, enforcement agencies are expected to intensify searches, financial scrutiny and legal action in the coming days as the investigation enters a critical phase.
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