A shocking revelation has sent shockwaves through Pune’s health sector as former top health officials find themselves embroiled in a scandal involving a fraudulent COVID testing kit scheme. Dr. Ashish Bharti, the former Health Chief, along with Medical Officers Dr. Aruna Suryakant Tarade and Dr. Rishikesh Hanumant Gardi, all former key figures at the Municipal Corporation, now face investigation for their alleged involvement in a scam that reportedly embezzled an estimated Rs 60 to 70 lakhs.
The complaint, lodged by former Health Officer Satish Baburav Kolusare at Warje Police Station, outlines the accusation that the trio orchestrated a fraudulent scheme at Arvind Bartakke Hospital in Warje during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
According to police sources, the accused officials are believed to have colluded in manipulating literature procurement for COVID testing, including testing kits, sanitizers, and medicines. The charges suggest that their actions were driven by self-interest, with collaboration with other individuals for personal gain.
The investigation has unearthed discrepancies in official documents, indicating the creation of false records. Allegedly, these fabricated papers were used to deceive both the Maharashtra government and the Pune Municipal Corporation, securing funds intended for COVID testing literature. Furthermore, the documents suggest the improper use of testing kits originally designated for government labs and authorized testing centers.
The misuse of testing kits came to light when vigilant citizens reported irregularities. False entries in government records raised suspicions of fraudulent practices, prompting Senior Police Inspector Jaitapurkar to state that, based on the complaint filed, an FIR has been registered against the accused, marking the commencement of a thorough investigation.
