AIIMS Patna suspends chief cashier over Rs50 lakh embezzlement

Patna: AIIMS Patna on Thursday suspended its chief cashier, Anurag Aman, and initiated departmental proceedings against him after an internal audit uncovered serious financial irregularities involving misappropriation of funds. However, the hospital’s official statement did not specify the exact amount; the sources said the cashier has returned a major portion of it.Sources said around Rs50 lakh was unaccounted for, with the cashier allegedly investing the money in the stock market. The institute has maintained that disciplinary action will continue, and the case may be referred to police if required. AIIMS assured that patient services remain unaffected and announced plans to tighten financial procedures and strengthen audits.The misappropriation was detected during an internal audit conducted by accounts officer Piyush Anand, which uncovered serious irregularities in the financial records.According to sources, significant discrepancies were found in the cashbook, payment register, receipts, and bank account reconciliation during the regular audit. The preliminary investigation revealed that several cash transactions were carried out without the necessary documents and proper authorisation. A detailed audit indicated that approximately Rs50 lakh could not be accounted for, raising suspicions of embezzlement. AIIMS sources said the chief cashier had invested the money in the stock market.“The matter has been taken seriously, and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated in accordance with the established rules and procedures of the institute. It is also noted that the employee concerned has since returned the amount in question. However, the return of the amount does not preclude or affect the ongoing disciplinary process,” an official statement said.“AIIMS Patna follows a strict policy of zero tolerance towards any form of financial misconduct. Further action will be taken strictly based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry and in accordance with applicable norms and regulations,” it added.