The Enforcement Directorate’s Guwahati Zonal Office has provisionally attached immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 55.33 lakh in connection with a significant fraud related to the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme in Assam. These properties are owned by Mobzzil Hussain Barbhuiya, the proprietor of Shifa Hospital and Research Centre in Hailakandi district. The ED took this action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Officials revealed that the ED’s investigation was triggered by an FIR lodged by Hailakandi Police in November 2022 and a subsequent chargesheet filed in February 2023 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. The case revolves around alleged fraudulent claims made under the government’s flagship health insurance scheme. It was discovered that the hospital, despite being empanelled under the AB-PMJAY scheme, submitted 778 fake reimbursement claims totaling Rs 64.10 lakh between April 2019 and November 2022 without providing any actual treatment to beneficiaries.
In a systematic approach, beneficiaries were reportedly enticed with nominal payments of around Rs 300, asked to pose on beds for photos, which were then uploaded on the official portal to fabricate false medical claims. The state health agency transferred funds amounting to Rs 57.96 lakh to the hospital’s bank account against these claims. The ED noted that these ill-gotten gains were subsequently diverted through cash withdrawals and digital transfers. Additionally, investigations revealed that the accused had acquired multiple land parcels and constructed buildings during the period of the alleged fraud without any legitimate income source.
The ED has attached six immovable properties, including land parcels and a portion of a multi-storeyed building. Further inquiries into the matter are ongoing, as stated by officials.
