The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust in Mumbai alleges that former trustees embezzled Rs 1,200 crore, with a total misappropriation estimated at Rs 2,100 crore. A forensic audit confirmed significant financial fraud. Legal proceedings began in 2001, leading to recent complaints filed with authorities. Former Commissioner Parambir Singh noted the involvement of suspects abroad and significant discoveries during investigations.
The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which manages Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, has reported that former trustees embezzled approximately Rs 1,200 crore. Overall, the Trust estimates that misappropriated funds could total around Rs 2,100 crore. The first FIR was lodged in July 2024; however, legal proceedings initiated as early as 2001 aimed to recover these funds.
In a recent complaint filed with the Bandra police and the Enforcement Directorate, the Trust emphasized that inadequate funds have diminished the hospital’s ability to serve the thousands of patients in need each day. Parambir Singh, the former Commissioner of Mumbai Police and now the Executive Director of Lilavati Hospital, noted that the individuals implicated in these scams are reported to be located in Belgium and Dubai.
Singh shared unsettling details regarding the findings of the investigation, including the discovery of eight urns containing human remains—bones and hair—located beneath the flooring of the trustee’s office. These remains have been sealed and forwarded to the police as evidence in the investigation.
A recent forensic audit conducted by a new team of trustees identified significant financial irregularities and the misappropriation of trust funds. The audit corroborated the existence of financial fraud within the Trust. Sources have labeled this incident as “the biggest scam ever in the medical sector,” underscoring the magnitude of the alleged deception.
The serious accusations against the former trustees encompass large-scale siphoning of funds, illegal financial dealings, fraudulent investments, and receiving kickbacks. The recent FIR, filed on March 7, presents new revelations regarding the ongoing probes. Another case is also being examined regarding the theft of valuables at the hospital’s Gujarat facility.
The Trust has also reported a claim exceeding Rs 500 crore from the Income Tax department in the High Court, related to fraudulent expenses attributed to former trustees. In a statement, Permanent Resident Trustee Prashant Mehta also commented on the situation, emphasizing that the uncovered financial misconduct not only undermines the Trust placed in these individuals but poses a threat to the mission of the hospital. He expressed the commitment to hold accountable all involved and requested the Enforcement Directorate’s urgent intervention under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In conclusion, the Lilavati Hospital Trust’s allegations of substantial embezzlement by former trustees highlight serious concerns regarding financial integrity. With an ongoing investigation, the Trust aims to recover misappropriated funds and restore public trust. The commitment of the Trust to pursue accountability reflects a determination to address these unlawful acts and safeguard the hospital’s mission for patient care.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
