Embezzlement Allegations Rock Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital Trust

The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust claims Rs 1,200 crore has been embezzled by former trustees, with total misappropriation around Rs 2,100 crore. A new complaint has been filed amid forensic audits revealing significant fraud and irregularities. Allegations include illicit financial transactions and even witchcraft practices. The Trust aims to hold accountable those responsible for these actions and is seeking action from the Enforcement Directorate.

The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which administers Mumbai’s renowned Lilavati Hospital, has alleged that former trustees embezzled Rs 1,200 crore. This claim, coupled with other historical misappropriations, suggests that approximately Rs 2,100 crore has been misused over the years. Following a first FIR lodged in July 2024, a renewed complaint was filed with local police and the Enforcement Directorate, citing serious impacts on hospital services for patients.

On March 7, the Trust’s Executive Director, Parambir Singh, reported that the suspected culprits are currently residing in Belgium and Dubai. Intriguingly, reports of witchcraft rituals involving human remains found in the trustee’s office have surfaced, with evidence being collected by authorities for further investigation.

The Trust’s assertions came to light following a forensic audit that revealed significant financial misconduct, confirming long-held suspicions of fraud among former trustees. Such allegations encompass illicit transactions, misallocation of funds, and improper investments, marking it as potentially the largest scandal within the medical sector to date.

Additionally, recent FIRs have unearthed further irregularities related to a theft incident at Lilavati’s facility in Gujarat. Separate claims exceeding Rs 500 crore have also been advanced by the Income Tax department for fraudulent activities related to the past trustees.

In a statement, Prashant Mehta, the Permanent Resident Trustee, expressed determination to hold accountable all parties engaged in these unlawful acts. He urged the Enforcement Directorate to conduct a thorough investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), emphasizing that the betrayal of trust severely undermines the hospital’s mission.

In summary, the Lilavati Hospital Trust is embroiled in a severe financial scandal involving the embezzlement of approximately Rs 1,200 crore by former trustees. With historical financial misconduct illuminated through forensic audits and ongoing police investigations, the Trust seeks justice and accountability for these malevolent actions, which they assert not only compromise hospital operations but also threaten patient care.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com