AIIMS staff come in support of Sanjiv Chaturvedi, write to PM Modi for reinstating former CVO

New Delhi, Nov 6: Even after Health Minister Harsh Vardhan cleared the Health Ministry's stand on the removal of former chief vigilance officer (CVO) of AIIMS Sanjiv Chaturvedi, around 200 plus scientists, researchers and faculty members have now written a letter to the Prime Minister demanding Chaturvedi's reinstatement.

The signatories, in the letter, said that the health ministry's statements, that the CVO was rejected by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on procedural grounds and that complaints have been lodged against him, justifying Chaturvedi's removal from the post run "contrary to facts".

As per an India Today report, the letter said, "It is common knowledge that in the last two years, Chaturvedi unearthed a string of corruption cases at AIIMS that led to enquiries (including by CBI) against corrupt officials. This would not have been possible without the CVC being aware of Chaturvedi's position as CVO, AIIMS, and conducting routine transactions with him as CVO. In fact, Chaturvedi's name was displayed on the CVC website as CVO of AIIMS. Further, perusal of service rules suggests that prior approval of the CVC is required only in case of appointment of CVO of specific (commercial) organisations."

Earlier on Oct 22, the CVC had sought comments from the health ministry on Chaturvedi's removal months after Health Minister Harsh Vardhan defended the ministry's stand on his sacking by claiming that the CVC had twice rejected his name.

"It is requested that comments of the minister of health and family welfare on the representation of Sanjeev Chaturvedi may be furnished early," reads the letter sent by the CVC to the health ministry.

Chaturvedi, a Haryana cadre forest service officer of the 2002 batch, was removed Aug 14 this year from the post of AIIMS CVO, much before completion of his tenure.

Following the comments by the health minister, Chaturvedi, in his petition to the CVC, urged it to refer back to the letters to the ministry ordering his removal.

(With inputs from agencies)