Decade-Old Medical Officers’ Murder Case Concludes with Life Sentences in UP, Exposing Major Health Scheme Scandal

Lucknow, India — A significant court ruling on Wednesday marked a pivotal moment in a long-standing murder case involving the assassination of two senior health officials, which subsequently exposed a major corruption scandal. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court sentenced Anand Prakash Tiwari, a contract killer, to life imprisonment for the murders of Dr. V K Arya and Dr. B P Singh, chief medical officers in Uttar Pradesh. This case had previously led to political upheavals and the downfall of the state government led by then Chief Minister Mayawati.

The murders took place in 2010 and 2011, disturbingly close in succession, with Dr. Arya killed in October 2010 followed by Dr. Singh in April 2011. The killings weren’t merely criminal acts but were intricately linked to a deeper conspiracy surrounding the embezzlement of funds from the National Rural Health Mission, a government initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare services in rural areas.

Special Judge Anurodh Mishra, during the sentencing, attributed these heinous acts to Tiwari’s involvement in a broader criminal conspiracy, handing him separate life sentences for each murder under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. Additionally, Tiwari was also fined 58,000 Indian Rupees.

The case had seen its fair share of twists, with two other accused individuals, Ram Krishna Veria and Vinod Sharma, being acquitted due to insufficient evidence as per the court’s verdict on June 28. These individuals were, however, required to submit sureties as a precaution to ensure their availability for any further legal proceedings if needed.

The killings reportedly were orchestrated at the urging of then deputy CMO of Lucknow, Dr. Y S Sachan, who later died under mysterious circumstances in 2011. This shadow of uncertainty and alleged foul play has lingered over the case, contributing to the intrigue and complexity surrounding the murders.

The investigative responsibilities were assumed by the CBI followinf a directive from the Allahabad High Court. The investigation revealed that the murders were strategically executed to prevent Dr. Arya and Dr. Singh from exposing a financial fraud within the health mission funds. Details from the CBI chargesheet indicated that Sachan had arranged for the contract killer, Tiwari, and another shooter through Verma, to eliminate any threats to their illicit activities.

These revelations not only highlighted significant corruption within the state’s health department but also sparked a political controversy that eventually saw the decline of the Mayawati-led government. The implications of the case reverberated across the political and social landscape of Uttar Pradesh, prompting calls for more stringent oversight and transparency in government projects.

As the sentences were handed down, the court’s judgment serves not only as a closure for the families of the slain doctors but as a stern reminder of the law’s reach, regardless of the complexities and influences in high-profile cases. The episode remains a stark illustration of how deeply corruption can infiltrate governmental initiatives meant to serve the public good, and the lengths to which individuals might go to cover their tracks. The case continues to be a reference point in discussions about accountability and integrity in public office.