Guwahati: ED Freezes Assets Worth ₹55 Lakh in Ayushman Bharat Fraud Investigation
Synopsis
In a major crackdown, the ED has provisionally seized assets worth ₹55.33 lakh linked to a fraudulent scheme under the Ayushman Bharat initiative in Assam. This investigation highlights serious malpractice in the health insurance sector, raising critical questions about accountability.
Key Takeaways
ED has seized assets worth approximately ₹55.33 lakh in Assam.
Fraudulent claims made under the Ayushman Bharat scheme involved 778 false reimbursements.
The investigation followed an FIR filed in November 2022.
Funds were illicitly withdrawn and transferred.
Ongoing investigations aim to uncover more details.
Guwahati, March 25 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the Guwahati Zonal Office has provisionally seized immovable assets valued at approximately Rs 55.33 lakh in relation to a significant fraud involving the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) program in Assam, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
The seized assets are registered under the name of Mobzzil Hussain Barbhuiya, owner of Shifa Hospital and Research Centre located in the Hailakandi district. This action was executed pursuant to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, according to a statement from the ED.
Officials indicated that the ED launched an investigation following an FIR filed by the Hailakandi Police in November 2022, along with a subsequent chargesheet submitted in February 2023, citing multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code.
This case pertains to alleged fraudulent claims submitted under the government’s prominent health insurance initiative.
The inquiry unveiled that the hospital, although listed under the AB-PMJAY scheme, purportedly submitted 778 fraudulent reimbursement claims totaling Rs 64.10 lakh from April 2019 to November 2022 without actually providing any medical services to the beneficiaries.
Moreover, officials discovered that the hospital was nonexistent at the address it claimed.
In a coordinated scheme, beneficiaries were allegedly enticed with small payments of roughly Rs 300, instructed to lie on hospital beds for photographs that were subsequently uploaded to the official portal to fabricate medical claims. Funds amounting to Rs 57.96 lakh were then transferred to the hospital’s bank account by the state health agency based on these false claims.
The ED reported that these illicit funds were later withdrawn as cash or transferred digitally.
Additionally, the agency uncovered that the accused had acquired numerous land parcels and constructed buildings during the timeframe of the alleged fraud without any legitimate income source.
Consequently, the ED has seized six immovable properties, including land and a portion of a multi-storey building. Ongoing investigations into the matter are still in progress, officials confirmed.
Point of View
Particularly focusing on fraudulent activities undermining government health initiatives. This case underscores the necessity for stricter oversight and accountability to protect public resources and ensure the integrity of health services.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is India's flagship health insurance program launched to provide affordable healthcare to economically vulnerable populations.
Why was the ED involved in this case?
The ED was involved due to allegations of money laundering and fraudulent claims linked to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, prompting an investigation.
What actions has the ED taken so far?
The ED has provisionally attached assets worth ₹55.33 lakh and is investigating the fraudulent claims made under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Who is Mobzzil Hussain Barbhuiya?
Mobzzil Hussain Barbhuiya is the proprietor of Shifa Hospital and Research Centre, implicated in the fraudulent activity associated with the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
What are the consequences of this fraud?
The fraud undermines public trust in health initiatives and may lead to legal repercussions for those involved, including financial penalties and imprisonment.
