ACB intensifies NIMS probe, conducts searches over alleged irregularities since 2014

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has stepped up its investigation into alleged corruption at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, conducting searches across multiple departments over suspected irregularities in recruitment, procurement and outsourcing contracts.

Hyderabad: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has intensified its investigation into alleged corruption at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), with simultaneous searches conducted across several departments to examine suspected irregularities in recruitment, procurement and outsourcing contracts dating back to 2014.

More than 30 officials from the ACB and the Telangana Food Safety Department reportedly participated in the inspections on Thursday and Friday. The teams searched several key departments, including stores, manpower recruitment, security, canteen, surgical stores and the medical shop.

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The searches were aimed at alleged irregularities in the recruitment of more than 540 skilled and unskilled employees. Candidates were reportedly charged amounts ranging from Rs. 60, 000 to Rs. 5 lakh each to secure jobs.

ACB and Food Safety officials are also examining allegations that some employees were advised on ways to collect money from inpatients and were promised additional earnings of up to Rs 30,000 per month apart from their salaries.

Further, ACB officials examined tender documents relating to various contracts awarded since 2014, particularly those involving the stores department, manpower supply, security services, canteen and medical shop. Drug inspectors inspected records at the surgical stores, while food inspectors checked the hospital canteen and reportedly expressed concern over unhygienic conditions.

Officials are also examining purchases made through the NIMS stores department. The roles of two senior doctors who were previously in charge of the department are reportedly under examination.

The latest searches follow the arrest of NIMS administrative superintendent Dr Lakshmi Bhaskar. Earlier, the ACB had conducted searches at the residences of five NIMS employees and at the Central Investigation Unit (CIU).

The ACB is examining the records to establish the extent of the alleged corruption and identify those responsible.