Uttar Pradesh NRHM scam

Uttar Pradesh NRHM Scam is an alleged corruption scandal in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, in which top politicians and bureaucrats are alleged to have siphoned off a massive sum estimated at ₹100 billion (US$1.2 billion)[1] from the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), a central government program meant to improve health care delivery in rural areas. At least five people are said to have been murdered in an attempt to coverup large-scale irregularities.[1][2] Several former ministers of then ruling party, Bahujan Samaj Party have been investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation[3]

The NRHM scam came to light after two Chief Medical Officers (the top health functionary of the district) were successively murdered in wealthier localities of the state capital, Lucknow. Dr. Vinod Arya (Oct 2010) and Dr. B. P. Singh (April 2011) were shot dead in broad daylight outside their homes by motorcycle assassins, using the same weapon.[4] Deputy-CMO Y.S. Sachan, who is thought to have had a role[5] in the murders, was arrested, but died mysteriously while in custody. Subsequently, three other functionaries who were under investigation have also been murdered or died under suspicious circumstances.[6] The CBI referred the case to T D Dogra of AIIMS New Delhi, he examined the scene of occurrence and opined in favour of Suicide.[7]

In Feb 2012, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself accused the Mayawati government of misusing NRHM funds.[1]

  1. ^ a b c "Mayawati misused funds for rural health: PM". The New Indian Express. 17 February 2012. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013.
  2. ^ "Fifth man dead in UP's rural health fund scam". NDTV. 17 February 2012.
  3. ^ "NRHM scam: 2 former UP ministers to appear before CBI". The Indian Express. New Delhi, India. 26 December 2011.
  4. ^ Bhupendra Pandey (7 April 2011). "Both Lucknow CMOs 'killed by same pistol'". The Indian Express.
  5. ^ "Dr sachan planned BP Singh's murder says UP police". CNN-IBN. 3 July 2011. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011.
  6. ^ "UP health scam: 5th official found dead, family cries murder". The Indian Express. 16 February 2012.
  7. ^ "Sachan Case: AIIMS experts' report contradicted FSL view". Hindustan Times. 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 29 November 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2012.