N-95 masks case : No evidence: Special Judge
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 23 2021: Special Judge, Prevention of Corruption Imphal West has on Wednesday accepted the final report submitted with regard to the procurement and distribution of N-95 masks by violating the established norms and ruled that no concrete evidence could be gathered to substantiate the allegations of criminal conspiracy, cheating, receiving illegal gratification while awarding the contracts against the accused.

A case was registered against Dr M Dinesh Singh, Senior MO, CMS, MD, Lamphel; Proprietor, M/S Blue Sky Services, Guwahati, Proprietor, M/S Nim Pharmaceuticals, Guwahati, Proprietor, M/S Global Infrastructure & Construction, Dimapur, Kohima (C/O M/S Lords, Delhi), Proprietor, M/S Fama Marketing, Guwahati and Proprietor, M/S Yumnam Agency, Imphal on the charges of procuring N-95 masks from five different firms without issuing supply orders to the respected firms and distributing the same to District Hospitals and CMOs of 16 districts in Manipur by violating the established norms of procurement and distribution at Vigilance and Anti Corruption Police Station .

After investigation, the IO of the case submitted his final/closure report before the Court on November 18 last on the ground of insufficient evidence and in view of the decision of the State Government to ratify the irregularities in the procurement and distribution of medical protective gear.

The final report mentioned that in early March, 2020, Dr M Dinesh Singh was entrusted by the higher authorities including Dr K Rajo Singh, Director of Health Services, Manipur to contact the firms which would be able to supply the medical protective gear including N-95 masks and PPEs in the shortest possible time.

Accordingly, Dr M Dinesh Singh contacted Rahul Jain, Proprietor of M/S Progressive enterprises and it was decided that the tender will be awarded to Rahul Jain after putting up the matter with the higher authorities.

Thereafter, Dr M Dinesh Singh asked Rahul Jain to submit rate quotation/tender documents.

The final report further mentioned that Dr M Dinesh Singh didn't not comply with the existing rules and norms in respect of the supply and receipt of items on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this regard, the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, Government of India provided necessary relaxation in the procurement of certain essential items in the prevailing health emergency that requires immediate procurement vide office memorandum dated 27-03-2000 .

The Government of Manipur also adopted the special instructions issued by the Government of India for any emergency purchase related to COVID-19 operations.

Further, Soiminlian Lengen, Deputy Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) directed the Director of Health Services, Manipur to procure the items viz.

PPE, N-95 face masks, triple layer masks, hand gloves and hand sanitizers from eligible firms/ suppliers as instructed.

The final report mentioned that no concrete evidence could be gathered to substantiate the allegations of criminal conspiracy, cheating, receiving illegal gratification while awarding the contracts against the accused.

The Court opined that the available materials are not sufficient for taking cognizance of any offences as alleged in the FIR.

Hence, the final report was accepted subject to its revival as and when any new clue comes to light and also order that seized articles, if any, be disposed of according to law.

Comment