Allegations of Rs 1200 Crore Embezzlement from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital
The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust alleges embezzlement of Rs 1,200 crore by former trustees, with total misappropriation reaching Rs 2,100 crore. Complaints filed with police and the Enforcement Directorate reveal severe financial irregularities and misconduct affecting patient services. A forensic audit has exposed these frauds, prompting urgent investigations.
The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which manages Mumbai’s renowned Lilavati Hospital, has alleged that former trustees embezzled approximately Rs 1,200 crore, contributing to a total misappropriation of around Rs 2,100 crore. The first FIR was filed in July 2024, but the hospital initiated legal recourse as early as 2001 to recover lost funds.
On March 7, the Trust lodged a formal complaint with the Bandra police and the Enforcement Directorate, citing that the financial misappropriation has adversely impacted the hospital’s capacity to serve thousands of patients daily. Parambir Singh, the former Commissioner of Mumbai Police and now the Executive Director of Lilavati Hospital, reported that the alleged culprits reside in Belgium and Dubai.
Additionally, Mr. Singh revealed that disturbing evidence emerged, as eight urns containing human remains were discovered under the flooring of the trustee’s office, now sealed and submitted to the police as part of the ongoing investigation.
A forensic audit conducted by newly appointed trustees revealed significant financial irregularities and fraud committed by the previous trustees, confirming large-scale fund misappropriation and kickback schemes. This situation has been described as the most substantial scam witnessed in the medical sector to date.
Further investigations are ongoing, including a case concerning stolen valuables from the hospital’s facility in Gujarat. The Trust is also facing claims exceeding Rs 500 crore from the Income Tax department related to fraudulent expenses incurred by former trustees.
Prashant Mehta, the Permanent Resident Trustee, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The gross misconduct and financial misappropriation… is a direct threat to the very mission of our hospital.” He urged the Enforcement Directorate to conduct a thorough investigation into these financial crimes.
The Lilavati Hospital Trust faces a severe crisis with allegations of embezzlement amounting to Rs 1,200 crore linked to former trustees. The uncovering of these financial irregularities through a forensic audit has prompted multiple investigations to hold responsible parties accountable. The Trust remains committed to rectifying this situation and ensuring service continuity for its patients.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
