Allegations of Rs 1200 Crore Embezzlement from Lilavati Hospital Trust
The Lilavati Trust alleges Rs 1,200 crore has been embezzled by former trustees, with total misappropriation reaching Rs 2,100 crore. A forensic audit confirmed financial misconduct. New complaints have been filed, raising concerns over hospital services and the integrity of operations, while the Enforcement Directorate is asked to investigate.
The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which operates Mumbai’s esteemed Lilavati Hospital, has reported a significant embezzlement of funds, amounting to an estimated Rs 1,200 crore. This alleged misappropriation, which spans years, is believed to reach a total of around Rs 2,100 crore. The Trust filed its first FIR in July 2024, following a prior legal action in 2001 to reclaim the misallocated funds.
On March 7, the Trust escalated its allegations by submitting a formal complaint to the Bandra police and notifying the Enforcement Directorate, noting that the severe lack of funding has adversely affected the hospital’s ability to serve countless patients daily. Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Parambir Singh, currently the Executive Director of Lilavati Hospital, indicated that the ex-trustees in question are reportedly located in Belgium and Dubai.
Additionally, Singh highlighted unusual allegations surrounding the former trustees, suggesting involvement in witchcraft. During investigations, eight urns containing human remains, such as bones and hair, were discovered beneath the flooring of the trustee’s office; these artifacts have been secured for forensic evidence.
Following a forensic audit triggered by the new trustee leadership, significant financial discrepancies, fraud, and the misuse of funds by the previous trustees were uncovered. An anonymous source characterized this as “the biggest scam ever in the medical sector,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The allegations further detail large-scale fund diversion, illegal transactions, fraudulent investments, and kickbacks. The FIR filed on March 7 introduced additional information relevant to the investigations. Concurrently, another case regarding the theft of valuables from Lilavati Hospital’s Gujarat facility is under review, and the Income Tax Department has lodged claims of over Rs 500 crore against the former trustees for fraudulent expenses.
The Trust has expressed deep concern over the findings, declaring, “The gross misconduct and financial misappropriation uncovered during the forensic audit is not just a betrayal of the trust… but a direct threat to the very mission of our hospital.” Trustee Prashant Mehta urged the Enforcement Directorate to take prompt action against these financial crimes as mandated by the PMLA.
In conclusion, the Lilavati Trust’s allegations of embezzlement and financial misconduct involving its former trustees have shed light on a serious crisis affecting Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital. With an estimated Rs 1,200 crore misappropriated, the Trust is seeking accountability and justice through legal avenues. The forensic audit has confirmed financial irregularities, initiating new investigations and raising grave concerns regarding the integrity of the hospital’s operations. Immediate action from the Enforcement Directorate is anticipated to uphold the hospital’s mission and restore public trust.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
