The Chhattisgarh High Court has rejected the bail application of Shashank Chopda, a key accused in a massive ₹411 crore medical procurement scam linked to the state's "Hamar-Lab" scheme. The Court emphasized that economic crimes of such scale pose a severe threat to the financial health of the country and cannot be treated lightly.
High Court Highlights Threat to Economy
Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha noted:
“This is not an ordinary financial crime but one executed in an organized manner. Economic offences are more serious than conventional crimes as they impact the national economy and erode public trust in the financial system.”
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The applicant, Shashank Chopda, allegedly orchestrated a widespread conspiracy by creating fake companies under the names of his relatives and associates. Using these entities, fraudulent invoices worth over ₹150 crore were generated under the guise of providing packaging, repair, maintenance, logistics, and consultancy services.
Details of the Alleged Scam
As per the FIR, the scam unfolded in 2021 when the state’s Public Health and Family Welfare Department initiated the "Hamar-Lab" scheme. Orders were placed through the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Ltd. (CGMSCL) for medical equipment and reagents. These were allegedly procured:
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- Without assessing actual demand or budget availability
- At highly inflated prices
- Without administrative approvals
It was alleged that officials colluded with companies like Mokshit Corporation, CB Corporation, Recorders and Medicare System, and Shri Sharda Industries to generate huge profits, resulting in a total loss of ₹411 crore to the state.
The Court further observed:
“The materials suggest the applicant manipulated the tender process, ensuring conditions were tailored to suit his companies. The closed system machines supplied meant future reagent purchases would only be possible through his company, creating a forced monopoly.”
Applicant's Defense and Court's Response
Shashank Chopda’s counsel claimed he was being made a scapegoat and had suffered a loss of ₹351 crore due to unpaid dues. He also argued that the alleged pricing irregularity for EDTA tubes (₹2352 per piece) was a misinterpretation, stating the actual price was ₹23.52.
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His lawyers emphasized that all procedures were recorded online, ruling out any possibility of tampering. They contended that the applicant could not have committed conspiracy alone and cited parity with a co-accused whose arrest had been stayed by the Supreme Court.
However, the Court rejected these submissions, stating:
“Granting bail at this stage would embolden corrupt practices and send a detrimental message to society. The applicant appears to be the main beneficiary and cannot be equated with others.”
Refusing bail, the Court underlined that:
“Economic offences, especially those involving deep-rooted conspiracies and misuse of public funds, demand serious judicial attention. These crimes affect the very foundation of the country’s economic structure and public trust.”
Thus, the bail plea of Shashank Chopda was denied.
