Mumbai, February 28, 2025 – In a fearless and unshakable display of journalistic integrity, Ejaz Ahmed Pathan, an independent journalist and social activist, has forced the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to admit to an unlawful breach of confidentiality. His protest outside the ESIC office in Lower Parel not only unveiled a serious data leak but also shed light on deep-rooted corruption within the department’s Safe & Smart Hospital tendering process.
A Lone Journalist Against an Overwhelming Force
Determined to hold ESIC accountable, Pathan staged a peaceful protest, demanding answers regarding the illegal disclosure of his identity and an official letter he had submitted. Instead of addressing his concerns transparently, ESIC summoned an overwhelming police force to intimidate and suppress his protest.
For just one man’s peaceful demonstration, dozens of police officers were deployed, a clear attempt to create an atmosphere of fear. However, Pathan remained resolute, refusing to be silenced.
Shocking Admission by ESIC’s Medical Director
Following police intervention, Pathan was escorted to meet ESIC Medical Director Dr. Shashi Kolnoorkar, accompanied by police officials. With concrete evidence in hand, Pathan exposed the department’s deliberate leak of his identity and confidential documents to external parties—a grave violation of privacy and journalistic protection.
In an unprecedented admission, Dr. Kolnoorkar accepted that ESIC had indeed leaked Pathan’s information and assured that the department would take strict action against those responsible for this unconstitutional act.
The Larger Corruption Scandal: Safe & Smart Hospital Tendering Scam
Pathan’s protest was not just about the identity leak—it was part of his ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the ESIC’s Safe & Smart Hospital tendering process. According to credible sources and documented evidence, massive financial irregularities and favoritism plagued the tender approvals, leading to unjustified allocation of contracts, misappropriation of funds, and a potential healthcare scam at the cost of public welfare.
Despite repeated attempts to seek transparency, ESIC officials deliberately withheld critical information related to the tendering process. Instead of addressing corruption, the department targeted Pathan by leaking his identity, a clear effort to intimidate and suppress his findings.
Pathan’s Fight Earns Official Recognition
Despite the intimidation, Pathan’s efforts forced ESIC’s leadership to acknowledge the wrongful disclosure of his information. More importantly, Dr. Kolnoorkar assured Pathan that ESIC would stand with him in exposing any future illegalities within the department.
This victory not only highlights Pathan’s unwavering commitment to truth and accountability but also serves as a warning to corrupt officials—journalists will not back down in the face of fear tactics.
A Call for Systemic Reform
This case raises urgent questions about ESIC’s governance, data security, and transparency in public sector operations. If a journalist’s identity can be leaked with impunity, what does it say about the safety of whistleblowers and the integrity of government departments?
With Pathan’s fearless stand shaking the very foundations of ESIC’s corrupt practices, the next question remains—will there be real accountability, or will this be another scandal brushed under the rug?
Stay tuned as Hashtag Truth News continues to uncover the truth behind the Safe & Smart Hospital tendering scam and the fight for transparency in ESIC’s operations.
