Has the ED Arrested Shashank Chopda in the Chhattisgarh Medical Procurement Scam?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Shashank Chopda in a significant money laundering investigation linked to alleged procurement irregularities in Chhattisgarh's healthcare sector. This move highlights the ED's ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public procurement, particularly in light of extensive financial irregularities and systemic issues.
Key Takeaways
- Shashank Chopda arrested by the ED in a major money laundering case.
- Allegations include manipulation of tender processes by state officials.
- Assets worth over Rs 43 crore have been attached.
- The case is part of a larger scam estimated between Rs 500-660 crore.
- Investigations are ongoing to uncover further financial irregularities.
Raipur, January 17 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken into custody Shashank Chopda, also known as Shashank Chopra, a partner at M/s Mokshit Corporation. This arrest is part of a significant money laundering investigation tied to purported irregularities in the procurement of medical supplies and reagents by the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSCL) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), as reported by officials.
As per a press release from the ED's Raipur Zonal Office dated January 17, 2026, Chopda was apprehended on January 14, 2026, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
He was presented before the Special Court in Raipur on January 15, 2026, where the court authorized the ED to hold him for four days until January 19, 2026, for additional questioning.
The investigation originates from a FIR and chargesheet lodged by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Raipur against CGMSCL officials, DHS staff, and private companies, including Mokshit Corporation.
It is claimed that Chopda, in collusion with state officials, manipulated tender processes, fabricated demands, and supplied medical equipment and reagents at exorbitant prices to CGMSCL.
This led to a significant financial loss for the state while generating illegal profits for the accused and their associates. The ED's investigation uncovered that proceeds of crime (POC) were generated through the supply of items classified as scheduled offences -- medical equipment and reagents -- at inflated rates.
The accused are alleged to have created multiple entities and firms, entered into fake service agreements for training and maintenance, and withdrawn considerable amounts in cash, which were then utilized for layering and acquiring assets.
Previous actions under Section 17 of the PMLA resulted in the attachment or freezing of assets exceeding Rs 43 crore, including bank accounts, fixed deposits, shares, vehicles, and other properties.
Incriminating documents and digital devices seized during these operations revealed patterns of diversion, layering, and concealment of proceeds of crime, as stated in the press release.
This case is part of a broader alleged scam estimated between Rs 500-660 crore, involving over-invoicing of items such as EDTA blood collection tubes (purchased at prices significantly higher than market rates) and diagnostic machines.
Previous raids conducted in 2025 targeted several locations across Chhattisgarh, resulting in the seizure of luxury vehicles and the freezing of assets tied to Mokshit Corporation.
Ongoing investigations aim to trace the complete money trail, identify additional conspirators, and reveal the extent of the financial irregularities.
The ED's actions highlight its commitment to combat corruption in public procurement, especially in the healthcare sector, amidst ongoing scrutiny of state-level tender manipulations.
This recent development follows earlier arrests by state agencies and chargesheets filed in 2025, underscoring systemic issues in medical supply chains during the relevant timeline.
Point of View
I believe this development serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public procurement systems. The ED's proactive stance against corruption is commendable, and it is essential that investigations continue to unravel the full extent of these alleged irregularities to restore public trust.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Shashank Chopda's arrest?
Shashank Chopda was arrested due to his involvement in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment and reagents by the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation.
How much have the ED's investigations revealed in terms of financial irregularities?
The investigations have uncovered a broader scam estimated between Rs 500-660 crore, involving over-invoicing and inflated prices for medical supplies.
What actions have been taken against the assets linked to this case?
The ED has attached or frozen assets worth over Rs 43 crore, including bank accounts, vehicles, and properties linked to those involved in the scam.
What is the significance of this case?
This case underscores the ongoing issues of corruption in public procurement, particularly in the healthcare sector, and the need for stringent oversight.
What is the next step in the investigation?
Further investigations are ongoing to trace the complete money trail and identify other conspirators involved in these financial irregularities.
