Patna: An internal audit at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Patna has uncovered alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs. 50m, leading to the suspension of the hospital’s chief cashier and the initiation of a departmental inquiry.
The action was taken after the audit, conducted under the supervision of accounts officer Piyush Anand, found discrepancies between cash books, payment registers, receipts, and bank records. According to preliminary findings, several cash transactions were carried out without proper documentation or the approval of the competent authority, raising concerns of embezzlement.
AIIMS Patna confirmed in a statement that the allegations were serious and that prima facie evidence of financial misconduct had emerged during the audit process. The chief cashier, Anurag Aman, has been suspended with immediate effect and relieved of all financial responsibilities pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Hospital authorities said the disputed amount has since been recovered, though investigations into the full scope and circumstances of the alleged misconduct are ongoing. Officials added that if the charges are substantiated, the employee could face dismissal from service as well as legal action, including the possibility of the case being referred to the police or other investigative agencies.
In its statement, the AIIMS administration emphasised that there would be no compromise on transparency or financial discipline within the institution. It also sought to reassure patients and the public that the incident would not affect medical services or the hospital’s day-to-day operations.
Sources familiar with the inquiry said the suspended official had acknowledged the irregular transactions during questioning, claiming the funds had been diverted into stock market investments. Authorities said further verification was underway to determine whether additional violations or lapses were involved.
