Archive · 23 Aug 2026
ACB Charges Five in Rajasthan NHM Tender Scam
Officials are investigating an alleged corruption case involving a health-awareness project in Rajasthan.
The project was called Aarogya Rath.
Investigators say some health chariots may not have operated as claimed.
They allege that false documents were used to receive government payments.
The suspected scam is worth more than Rs 1 crore.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed a very large court document naming five accused people.
One accused, Sunil Rathore, surrendered after being away from the authorities for a long time.
The court case is continuing, and the allegations have not yet been finally decided.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau filed a roughly 5,000-page supplementary chargesheet in the alleged 2016 NHM tender scam.
The five accused include former NHM Director and IAS officer Neeraj K. Pawan.
The case concerns alleged irregularities in the Aarogya Rath publicity initiative.
Investigators allege that health chariots existed largely on paper and that forged documents were used to obtain payments.
Accused Sunil Rathore surrendered after absconding, while investigation into Surendra Singh's role continues.
- Who
- The Anti-Corruption Bureau has charged five people, including former NHM Director and IAS officer Neeraj K. Pawan; Sunil Rathore later surrendered.
- What
- A supplementary chargesheet was filed over alleged irregularities and corruption in the 2016 Aarogya Rath tender.
- When
- The alleged irregularities concern 2016; prosecution sanction for Neeraj K. Pawan was granted in 2021, and the supplementary chargesheet was recently filed.
- Where
- The chargesheet was filed before ACB Court-1 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- Why
- Investigators allege forged documentation, fraudulent payment claims, and a 17% commission arrangement involving the tender and bill clearance.
- Investigating agency
- Anti-Corruption Bureau
- Chargesheet size
- Approximately 5,000 pages
- Project
- Aarogya Rath, a campaign to publicise Health Department schemes
- Estimated amount
- More than Rs 1 crore
- Named accused
- Neeraj K. Pawan, Joji Varghese, Deepa Gupta, Ajit Soni and Sunil Rathore
- Alleged commission
- 17%, allegedly comprising 5% to secure the tender and 12% to clear bills
- Outstanding investigation
- The investigation into Surendra Singh's role is still underway