Current Events :
Directors, hospital staff booked for conspiracy, cheating; fake records, forged signatures, cash trail under probe; raids uncover organised medical billing fraud network
n a massive crackdown on organised healthcare corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a multi-crore fraud targeting the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
The agency has booked directors of a healthcare firm and doctors of several leading private super-specialty hospitals for allegedly siphoning off government funds through fabricated medical claims.
The CBI has conducted the searches across Chandigarh and Mohali, unearthing crucial evidence pointing to an organised network.
According to a senior CBI official privy to the ongoing investigation, who spoke exclusively to The Tribune on Friday evening, the case has been registered in Chandigarh on the basis of source information regarding large-scale irregularities in ECHS claims.
Named accused in FIR include Dr Vikas Sharma and Dr Rimple Gupta, both Directors of M/s Manthan Health Care, Sector 38, Chandigarh; M/s Manthan Health Care; Dharam Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Sector 15, Chandigarh; Kare Partner Heart Centre, Sector 19, Chandigarh; Manjeet Singh, bill clerk at Kare Partner Heart Centre; Parveen Kumar, bill clerk at Manthan Health Care; and unknown officials of ECHS polyclinics/regional centre.
The FIR, a copy of which is with The Tribune, also notes that the role of other leading hospitals — Amar Hospital, Shalby Hospital, 1H Plus Med Park Hospital in Mohali and Eden Critical Care Hospital in Chandigarh besides several public servants — will be examined during the course of investigation.
The FIR has been registered under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating) and 471 (using forged documents) of the IPC, with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The case stems from credible source information received by the CBI on February 23, 2026, indicating systematic manipulation of ECHS reimbursement processes between 2018 and 2026. Acting on this, the agency conducted a joint surprise check on February 24 at Manthan Health Care and Dharam Hospital in the presence of ECHS vigilance officials.
The complaint details reveal that the accused allegedly operated a well-organised fraud mechanism by misusing emergency admission provisions, manipulating referral systems, fabricating medical and diagnostic records, and inflating treatment and pharmacy bills to siphon off government funds.
Investigations so far indicate that Manthan Health Care, despite not being empanelled under ECHS, was allegedly operating in collusion with empanelled hospitals. The ECHS desk of Dharam Hospital was effectively run from Manthan’s premises, where official stamps, blank letterheads and digital signature credentials of the hospital were found.
CBI sources said claims were processed and uploaded on the ECHS portal in the name of Dharam Hospital from Manthan’s facility, pointing to unauthorised diversion of a regulated system.
The FIR also flags fabrication of documents on a large scale, including emergency admission letters, prescriptions, pathology reports and discharge summaries. Signatures of doctors were allegedly forged, while some diagnostic reports were found fake, with laboratories denying issuance.
The probe has revealed a pattern of abnormal admissions where ECHS beneficiaries were allegedly identified and routed through intermediaries to select hospitals. Many cases were shown as emergencies without adequate clinical basis to secure higher reimbursements.
Specific instances cited in the FIR include repeated admissions of certain patients across hospitals such as Dharam Hospital, Kare Partner Heart Centre and Eden Critical Care Hospital within short intervals for similar ailments, indicating orchestrated hospitalisation for claim generation.
Investigators have also found evidence of structured financial arrangements, including referral-based commissions and revenue-sharing models. Documents indicate a 50:50 revenue-sharing understanding between Manthan Health Care and Dharam Hospital, along with per-patient payments to intermediaries.
WhatsApp chats recovered during the checks allegedly show prior coordination on patient admissions, discharge timing and preparation of medical records, suggesting post-facto fabrication to support inflated claims.
The CBI conducted extensive searches on Thursday across multiple locations in Chandigarh and Mohali, including residences of the accused and hospital premises. Officials seized mobile phones, unaccounted cash, property documents, and a large volume of medical records, billing files, referral papers and agreements.
Data relating to ECHS beneficiaries, admission patterns and financial transactions between the entities is now under scrutiny to establish the full scale of the alleged conspiracy.
The probe is ongoing, with the CBI looking into the possible involvement of public servants and the extent of financial loss to the exchequer, the official added.
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Taragiri, its fourth stealth frigate under Project 17A, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime capabilities. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the 6,670-ton warship re-joined the fleet on Friday, embodying over 75 per cent indigenous content.
This achievement underscores the maturation of India’s defence industrial ecosystem and aligns seamlessly with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
INS Taragiri (F41) represents a generational leap from earlier frigates, boasting a sleeker hull design and markedly reduced radar cross-section for enhanced stealth. Its ‘High-Speed – High Endurance’ profile enables versatile multi-dimensional maritime operations, powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system.
Delivered to the Navy on 25 November, the vessel was commissioned ahead of schedule, completing construction in approximately 15 per cent less time than preceding ships of its class.
Defence policy consulting
The warship’s formidable weapon suite includes the supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missile (SSM), providing potent strike capability against enemy vessels and land targets. Complementing this are the MFSTAR active electronically scanned array radar and the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) complex for air defence. A 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) offers medium-range firepower, while close-in weapon systems—30mm and 12.7mm guns—along with anti-submarine rockets and torpedoes, ensure comprehensive threat neutralization.
At the heart of Taragiri’s operational prowess lies an integrated Combat Management System (CMS), enabling the crew to detect, track, and engage multiple threats with split-second precision. This advanced sensor fusion elevates the frigate’s role in blue-water operations, from anti-surface warfare to air defence and underwater threat mitigation. Project 17A frigates like Taragiri surpass the capabilities of the earlier Project 17 (Shivalik-class) vessels through superior stealth, automation, and weapon-sensor integration.
INS Taragiri revives the name of a storied predecessor, the Leander-class frigate that served from 16 May 1980 until its decommissioning on 27 June 2013. The new incarnation is tailored for contemporary challenges, including complex diplomatic manoeuvres and humanitarian assistance missions. As the fourth in a series of seven Project 17A ships, Taragiri joins siblings Nilgiri, Udaygiri, and Vindhyagiri, with the remaining three—two at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and one at MDL—slated for delivery by August 2026.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi presided over the commissioning, emphasising the service’s evolution into a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-proof force. Since last year, the Indian Navy has inducted 12 warships, one submarine, and an aircraft squadron, bolstering its operational reach, presence, and responsiveness.
Investment in India
Admiral Tripathi hailed Taragiri as a testament to India’s self-reliance, noting its accelerated construction timeline as evidence of growing indigenous expertise.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the ceremony, positioned INS Taragiri as a symbol of India’s ascending maritime power. He linked the commissioning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where marine strength is pivotal. With over 11,000 kilometres of coastline and encirclement by seas on three sides, India cannot divorce its development from oceanic domains, the minister asserted.
Singh highlighted the Navy’s critical role in safeguarding 95 per cent of India’s trade, conducted via maritime routes, alongside energy security. A robust Navy, he stressed, is not optional but essential. The service maintains a steadfast presence across the Indian Ocean Region, from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Strait, embodying India’s values and commitments.
The timing of Taragiri’s induction is particularly poignant amid global volatilities, including the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for global energy trade—have imperilled shipping. Indian-flagged vessels, escorted by Navy warships, have navigated the passage following negotiations with Iran, demonstrating operational acumen.
Project 17A’s emphasis on indigenisation has catalysed private sector involvement, with subsystems sourced from over 100 Indian vendors. This includes advanced materials for stealth features, indigenous sonar suites, and electronic warfare systems. The frigate’s modular design facilitates future upgrades, such as integration of next-generation missiles or unmanned systems, ensuring longevity in service.
Defence policy updates
From a strategic vantage, Taragiri bolsters India’s two-carrier battle group doctrine, enabling sustained forward presence in the Indo-Pacific. Its BrahMos armament—capable of Mach 3 speeds and 290-450km ranges—deters aggression across the spectrum of conflict. Coupled with MRSAM’s extended air defence envelope, the ship counters aerial threats from drones to fighter jets.
Looking ahead, the Navy eyes integration of directed-energy weapons and hypersonic missiles on future frigates. Taragiri’s baseline sets the stage, with mid-life refits planned to incorporate AI-driven autonomy and quantum sensors. This evolution positions India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
Regional security assessments
Defence Minister Singh’s remarks resonate amid Houthi threats in the Red Sea and piracy resurgence off Somalia. Indian Navy deployments have ensured uninterrupted trade flows, underscoring Taragiri’s relevance. As global uncertainties mount, the frigate stands ready to safeguard sea lines of communication.
INS Taragiri encapsulates Atmanirbhar Bharat in action: a home-grown marvel blending cutting-edge technology with strategic foresight. Its commissioning not only swells the fleet but inspires a new era of naval innovation, securing India’s maritime destiny for generations.
In a decisive move to safeguard human life amid escalating natural risks, the district administration of Lahaul and Spiti has imposed immediate restrictions on tourist movement and commercial activity in vulnerable zones surrounding the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) on Manali-Leh highway in Lahaul and Spiti district.
The order comes in response to alarming reports from engineering and police authorities highlighting the increasing frequency of avalanches, snow slides and falling debris in the region, hazards that have already claimed lives. The order was issued by Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner-cum-Disaster Management Authority Kiran Bhadana.
The affected stretch includes the hill slopes on the left side of the tunnel’s North Portal, the adjoining vicinity around the portal, and the Chandra Bridge river along with its surrounding areas. These locations, popular among tourists for their dramatic landscapes and snow-covered vistas, have now been declared a restricted zone due to their high susceptibility to sudden and potentially deadly natural events.
Officials noted a surge in tourist footfall and unauthorised commercial activities such as roadside vending, temporary stalls and informal photography points. While these have contributed to local livelihoods, they have also intensified the risks by encouraging crowding in unsafe zones and obstructing critical emergency response operations. Authorities emphasised that such activities could hinder swift evacuation and rescue efforts in case of an avalanche or similar disaster.
Under the new directive, entry of tourists and the general public into the restricted zone is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorised. All forms of commercial activity have been banned and vehicles are no longer permitted to stop, park or gather in these areas. Traffic movement will now be closely regulated by the police and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel to ensure safety and prevent congestion in this strategically vital corridor.
The Superintendent of Police has been tasked with enforcing the order rigorously, with support from BRO and project authorities responsible for the tunnel. Violations will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law. However, the restrictions will not apply to emergency services, government officials on duty and disaster response teams.
The administration has clarified that the order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until conditions are deemed safe following a comprehensive hazard reassessment. While the move may temporarily disrupt tourism in the region, officials stress that the priority remains the protection of human life in the face of unpredictable mountain hazards
The essence of Meghalaya and the BSF’s role in the state has been brought to life by Harbax Singh Dhillon, a top BSF officer, in a coffee table book titled ‘BSF and Meghalaya: Through the Lens of a Borderman’ that uniquely combines three genres of literary and visual arts – poems and photographs composed and clicked by him and pencil sketches made by BSF personnel.
The north-eastern state of Meghalaya is described as a breathtaking destination, with pristine, lush green landscapes, misty forests, mysterious caves and incredible waterfalls. The ‘abode of the clouds’ is also known for its friendly populace and vibrant culture.
The state, which attracts hordes of tourists, is also a critical frontier for the Border Security Force (BSF) as it shares a 440 km-long international border with Bangladesh that is vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling, requiring a strong presence of border guarding forces and a dynamic civic action programme to constructively engage locals.
The essence of Meghalaya and the BSF’s role in the state has been brought to life by Harbax Singh Dhillon, a top BSF officer, in a coffee table book titled ‘BSF and Meghalaya: Through the Lens of a Borderman’ that uniquely combines three genres of literary and visual arts – poems and photographs composed and clicked by him and pencil sketches made by BSF personnel.
Presently, Dhillon is posted as Inspector General (Operations), BSF Western Command. He will be moving to the BSF Headquarters in New Delhi this week to accept his promotion to the rank of Additional Director General.
With over 400 pictures, 26 poems and two dozen sketches, the 240-page book illustrates diverse subjects such as BSF deployment, the border fence, women in the BSF, operational challenges, Bangladesh as seen from India, civic engagement, local heritage, everyday life in Meghalaya, festivals, sports and cultural activities, tribes and historical aspects.
Spectacular terrain, mesmerising forests, hidden coves and the diverse flora and fauna present a vivid visual journey through the state where, in the author’s own words, clouds whisper secrets to the soul and the landscape awakens with an ethereal beauty.
“When I was posted in Meghalaya as Inspector General, I explored the state with the heart of a seeker and the perspective of a poet. As I interacted with residents and intellectuals, I came across numerous fascinating facets of the state that were neither common knowledge nor documented in a single volume,” said Dhillon, who has spent 37 years with the BSF and served across multiple frontiers.
“I have also been writing poetry on nature and on the troops and their courage, grit and resilience. It just dawned upon me to write a book which would not only highlight lesser-known facts of Meghalaya, but also be a visual and poetic tribute to the soldiers serving in tough conditions as well as to the charming and friendly people of the state,” he added.
Iran fired on targets Fri day across the Middle East, damaging a desali nation plant and setting a refinery ablaze in Kuwait, while American and Israeli airstrikes hit the Islamic Republic as the war neared the end of its fifth week. Tehran has kept the pres sure on Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbour, despite US and Israeli insistence that Iran’s military capabilities have been all but destroyed. In a sign that part of Iran’s theocracy could be willing to negotiate, the country’s former top dip lomat published a proposal for ending the conflict in an influential American magazine. Iran’s attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, have roiled stock markets, sent oil prices sky rocketing, and threatened to raise the cost of many basic goods, including food. Iran’s ability to wreak havoc in the global economy has proved a major strate gic advantage, and world leaders have struggled to figure out how to reopen the waterway. The UN Se curity Council was expected to look at a new proposal. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif — a seasoned diplo mat with long experience negotiating with the West who remains close to a pragmatic wing of Iran’s leadership — wrote on Fri day that the time has come to end the suffering on both sides. PT
The Central Board of Sec ondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out its new curriculum, launching a phased implementation of the three-language formula from Class 6 and a two-level system of mathematics and science for Class 9 starting in the 2026-27 academic session, officials said on Friday. While the three-language formula mandated under the new National Educa tion Policy (NEP) will be implemented from 2026 for Class 6, introduction of the two-level system of mandatory standard and optional advanced courses in mathematics and science will be done for Class 9. “Languages are organ ised through a structured three-language framework across stages: R1, R2 and R3. As per recommen dations of new National Curriculum Framework (NCF), two of these three languages must be native to India. In continuation of the board’s phased implementation of mul tilingual education, a third language will be made mandatory from Class 6 with effect from the aca demic session 2026-27, ensuring that every learner studies at least two Indian languages,” a senior board official said.
Taking a technological leap, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring a hydrogen-powered, autonomous airship capable of long-endurance missions for persistent surveillance.
The IAF has invited bids from Indian companies to indigenously design, develop and manufacture a platform that can operate at altitudes of around 30,000 feet and carry payloads of up to 5,000 kg. Multiple bidders will be shortlisted, with one final partner selected for production.
While foreign collaboration is permitted, the project mandates a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content. Indian vendors have been asked to submit proposals by April 30.
The platform, termed a “Medium Altitude Heavy Lift Airship”, will be unmanned. The IAF aims to partner with domestic defence industry players to execute the project.
The airship is expected to be hydrogen-powered and used for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, while also providing communication capabilities similar to airborne radar and electronic warfare platforms.
It is required to carry specialised payloads and function as a launch platform for missiles and drones during flight.
The IAF has highlighted hydrogen as a preferred fuel due to its lighter-than-air properties, availability, non-toxic nature and clean emissions, producing only water vapour.
The service is also looking at hybrid propulsion systems —combining hydrogen fuel with solar power, batteries or fuel cells — to enable an endurance of at least 10 days. The platform should be capable of autonomous launch and recovery from both prepared and unprepared surfaces.
Additionally, the airship must support line-of-sight communication of at least 250 km or operate via satellite links.
The IAF has not specified the number of platforms it plans to procure. However, bidders are required to demonstrate strong financial and technical capabilities, along with manufacturing infrastructure, in-house design expertise and project management capacity.
It incorporates advanced stealth features to significantly reduce its radar signature, enhancing survivability and combat effectiveness in contested environments
INS Taragiri, the fourth ship in the seven-vessel Nilgiri-class of stealth frigates, was commissioned on Friday, showcasing the Navy’s adoption of advanced shipbuilding techniques such as integrated construction to accelerate delivery timelines.
Commissioned at Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the 6,670-tonne warship has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
The frigate incorporates advanced stealth features to significantly reduce its radar signature, enhancing survivability and combat effectiveness in contested environments. It represents a generational leap in indigenous warship design.
Its weapon suite includes BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missiles (including land-attack capability), medium-range surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm main gun, 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems, as well as anti-submarine and underwater warfare systems.
Around a decade ago, the Navy accelerated its warship production pace, aided by modern design software, modular construction techniques and a growing domestic industrial base. As a result, Indian shipyards are now approaching global benchmarks in build timelines.
A key enabler has been the Ministry of Defence’s adoption of integrated construction, where different sections of a ship —such as the hull, superstructure and internal systems — are built as separate blocks and later assembled seamlessly.
Over the past five to six years, shipyards have added new infrastructure, streamlined supply chains and increasingly used technologies such as artificial intelligence to optimise sequencing in construction, including material sourcing and production timelines.
The Nilgiri-class is the first major project to fully utilise this approach. These frigates are an advanced evolution of the earlier Shivalik class.
While Shivalik-class ships took nearly nine years from keel-laying to commissioning, the first three Nilgiri-class vessels were completed in under eight years. INS Taragiri has been delivered in under six and a half years, with timelines expected to reduce further as processes mature.
Naval designers at the Warship Design Bureau and shipbuilders have also optimised construction by installing a greater proportion of equipment before launch, reducing post-launch outfitting time. This includes key systems such as the superstructure, propulsion components, piping and cabling.
Each construction block, weighing around 250 tonnes, is precision-engineered to allow seamless integration, ensuring faster assembly and improved efficiency without compromising capability.
