As part of the ESI scam, the ACB has been arresting quite a few people over the past few weeks. Minister Atchannaidu was the first to be arrested, and that was followed by the arrest of many others. Now, the personal secretary of ex-minister Pithani Satyanarayana has been arrested.
The accusation is that everyone involved in this scam had purchased medicines and medical equipment at higher rates than normal, thereby minting money in the process. An estimated loss of 800 to 1000 Crores has been made, as part of this scam.
This morning, Pithani Satyanarayana’s personal secretary, Muralimohan, had been arrested by the ACB, and taken into custody. Muralimohan had earlier filed a bail petition in the High Court, as a preemptive action, so that he wouldn’t be arrested. However, this petition has been put on hold for the time being, and still has to be looked into.
Accusations have also been made on Pithani Satyanarayana’s son, Pithani Suresh, who filed a bail petition in the High Court, along with Muralimohan. Even Suresh’s bail petition is on hold, and still has to be looked into. Suresh is now nowhere to be found, clearly having disappeared.
On the other hand, former minister Atchannaidu had told the ACB that they had done this as part of the Central Government’s orders, and that they had no part in it. He also produced an Official Note to the ACB in this regard. He even gave an explanation about the note, but it only worsened his position.
Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s son, Nara Lokesh is also said to be a part of this scam. The ACB is yet to investigate into his involvement.