CBI gets custody of three, to file more FIRs

The CBI is planning to file at least two dozen FIRs in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam. Rajesh Ahuja reports.

The CBI is planning to file at least two dozen FIRs in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam. The investigation agency has already filed five FIRs in the scam naming former Uttar Pradesh minister Babu Singh Kushwaha as accused in one of the FIRs.

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Kushwaha has been named in the FIR filed in connection with the award of a contract for upgradation of 134 district hospitals for R13.4 crore. The exchequer suffered losses to the tune of Rs 5.46 crore in the contract.

"Kushwaha's role is not limited to only this FIR. We are probing him for many more contracts," said a source.

According to investigators, the five FIRs filed so far cover only miniscule part of the NRHM scam in Uttar Pradesh. To cover the overall scam in the state, the probe agency will very soon file around two dozen more FIRs. So far, the CBI has arrested four persons in the scam.

PK Jain, the general manager of state-owned Construction and Design Services was arrested on Thursday. Jain is co-accused of Babu Singh Kushwaha.

"We have arrested Uttar Pradesh Small Scale Industries Corporation managing director AK Bajpai, former director general (family welfare) SP Ram and a private firm owner Saurabh Jain in connection with the FIRs registered in the NRHM scam," said CBI spokesperson Dharini Mishra.

The CBI also secured the custody of Bajpai, SP Ram and Saurabh Jain till January 10.

Sources in the CBI said role of another ex-state minister and an IAS officer is also under lens.