The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has accused Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar of being involved in a ‘hospital scam,’ adding to the existing Rs 850 crore land compensation controversy related to the Dwarka Expressway project. According to a supplementary report submitted by Vigilance Minister Atishi to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Naresh Kumar’s son’s company, MetaMix, allegedly secured a contract for AI software development at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) Hospital without proper tendering.
Hospital Scam Allegations: The AAP government claims that MetaMix, a company formed just eight months before the deal, received the AI software development contract for ILBS Hospital without following due tender procedures. The company, lacking experience in AI software development, is accused of making substantial profits from the project.
Nepotism and Influence: The report alleges a case of nepotism, asserting that Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar used his influence to secure ILBS resources for MetaMix’s technology development. An MoU was signed between MetaMix and ILBS, allowing the startup to benefit from ILBS’s expertise and database.
Key Details of the Agreement: The MOU involved conducting research on simulation of various endoscopy procedures using Augmented Reality. MetaMix and ILBS were set to share profits equally from any AI product developed through the collaboration. The agreement was signed just 20 days after Naresh Kumar assumed the role of Chief Secretary.
Call for Immediate Action: Vigilance Minister Atishi has called for Naresh Kumar’s immediate removal from the post of Chief Secretary and recommended disciplinary action. She further urged the termination of the agreement between MetaMix and ILBS and called for a CBI probe into the matter.
Previous Controversy and CBI Referral: Earlier, the Delhi government sent an inquiry report detailing Rs 850 crore corruption allegations against Naresh Kumar to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The matter has also been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive investigation.
The new allegations add to the challenges faced by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, intensifying the scrutiny over the controversial contracts and decisions involving MetaMix and the ILBS Hospital.
