In a significant development in the Jaipur bribery case, the Rajasthan High Court on Monday granted bail to Dr Manish Agrawal, the suspended Head of the Neurosurgery Department at SMS Hospital, who was arrested earlier this year on corruption charges.
Relief for Doctor, Co-Accused Also Get Bail
Justice Anil Kumar Upman, hearing the bail petitions, extended relief not only to Dr Agrawal but also to co-accused Jagat Singh Tanwar. The court passed the order after considering submissions related to the ongoing investigation and the nature of the allegations.
Allegations Linked to Medical Supply Bills
The case pertains to alleged bribery in connection with the approval of bills worth approximately ₹12.50 lakh for the supply of brain coils used in neurosurgical procedures. Investigators allege that the accused demanded illegal gratification from a private medical supply company to clear the payments.
Caught Red-Handed by ACB
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had trapped Dr Agrawal on October 9 while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh. At the time, he was serving as the Head of the Neurosurgery Department at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, Jaipur. The arrest had triggered widespread attention, coming shortly after a fire incident in the ICU of the same department.
Cash and Property Documents Recovered
During the trap operation, an attempt was allegedly made to dispose of the bribe money by throwing it into a vacant plot. However, ACB officials swiftly recovered the cash. Subsequent searches at the doctor’s premises led to the seizure of ₹4.85 lakh in cash and documents related to five properties, including a flat in Jaipur, three houses, and agricultural land. Officials estimate the value of these assets to be worth several crores.
Investigation Continues
While the High Court’s order has provided interim relief to the accused, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are continuing to examine financial records, property details, and the role of other individuals linked to the case.
