Allegations of ₹1200 Crore Embezzlement from Lilavati Hospital Trust in Mumbai
The Lilavati Trust in Mumbai has alleged that former trustees embezzled Rs 1,200 crore, with total misappropriations reaching Rs 2,100 crore. Recent audits disclosed extensive financial fraud, compelling legal action and investigations into theft and illegal activities associated with the former trustees. Enforcement measures are being requested to address these issues.
The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which operates Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, has accused former trustees of embezzling Rs 1,200 crore. The total alleged misappropriation, spanning years, is claimed to be approximately Rs 2,100 crore. An FIR was first filed in July 2024, following earlier legal attempts as far back as 2001 to retrieve the misappropriated funds.
On March 7, the Trust lodged a new complaint with the Bandra police and the Enforcement Directorate, highlighting that the financial losses have adversely impacted daily services offered to numerous patients. Parambir Singh, the former Commissioner of Mumbai Police and now Executive Director at Lilavati Hospital, disclosed that the implicated trustees are currently located in Belgium and Dubai.
Strikingly disturbing allegations suggest that the former trustees engaged in witchcraft practices, with evidence including eight urns of human remains discovered beneath the flooring of the trustee’s office, which have been submitted to the police as evidence.
A recent forensic audit, prompted by newly appointed trustees, has confirmed significant financial irregularities and fraud. The results revealed extensive fund misappropriation and fraudulent activities executed by previous trustees, marking this as a severe transgression in the medical sector.
Additional investigations are underway concerning theft incidents at the Gujarat facility of Lilavati Hospital. Furthermore, the IT department has filed claims exceeding Rs 500 crore in the High Court related to fraudulent expenditures by the former trustees.
Prashant Mehta, the Permanent Resident Trustee, emphasized that the findings from the audit reflect a severe breach of trust and a threat to the hospital’s mission. He called upon the Enforcement Directorate to conduct a thorough investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to ensure accountability for all involved in these criminal actions.
The Lilavati Trust’s allegations of embezzlement by former trustees highlight grave financial mismanagement and threaten the hospital’s foundational purpose. The ongoing investigations and forensic audits aim to hold accountable those responsible for the alleged misconduct and restore trust in the institution. The case represents a significant challenge for the healthcare sector, pushing for stringent measures against fraud.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
