Ambulance operators deny allegations

Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd, co-founder of "108" ambulance service, against whom an FIR has been lodged by Rajasthan police for alleged financial irregulaties, today said the company had conducted its operations in a transparent and efficent manner.
"We are optimistic that government will uphold fair process and that justice will prevail once the evidence comes on record. ZHL will participate in any inquiry to establish the truth," a company release said here.
The comapny was reacting to media reports on the FIR which named former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former union minister Sachin Pilot and several others in connection with the alleged irregularities.

"ZHL's formation, track record, fund-raising, tender participation, government contracts won through tenders, court battles for transparency are all in the public domain and is a matter of record for anyone to verify", the release said.
ZHL had been built up over the last 10 years, raising fund from the most blue chip and reputed financial institutions in India and internationally and serving the nation wherever its services were available, it said.
Referring to naming of Pilot and Karti P Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, in the FIR, the release said they were not associated with the company as on the date of the FIR or as on the date of the complaint.

Both of them were independent directors in the past with no financial investment or any financial gain whatsoever from the company, it said.
Shaffi Mather, former economic advisor to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, is not a director of the company but a co-founder and an original promoter. He ceased to be a director in 2008 though he owns 100 shares and a company controlled by his family owns 56,625 shares, according to the release.
Ravi Krishna, son of former union minister Vayalar Ravi, and Sweta Mangal are directors of the company and had worked hard to build one of the finest emergency ambulance services, said the release.