Massive Rs 2,100 crore fraud uncovered at Lilavati Hospital

A major scandal has engulfed Mumbai's renowned Lilavati Hospital as the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust has alleged extensive embezzlement of funds by former trustees, amounting to an astounding Rs 2,100 crore.

An FIR was initially filed in July 2024, but the allegations of financial misappropriation date back to 2001.

Fresh complaints have been lodged with Bandra police and the Enforcement Directorate, highlighting how the lack of funds severely impacts the hospital's ability to serve thousands of patients daily.

Parambir Singh, the former Commissioner of Mumbai Police and the current Executive Director of Lilavati Hospital, revealed that the trustees allegedly responsible for these financial discrepancies are currently residing in Belgium and Dubai.

Notably, there are bizarre allegations against them involving practices of witchcraft, with eight urns containing human bones and hair discovered beneath their office flooring. These artifacts have been submitted to the police as evidence.

The irregularities came to light after a forensic audit, launched by a new team of trustees, confirmed massive financial fraud and the misuse of funds. A source described the situation as "the biggest scam ever in the medical sector."

In addition to siphoning off large-scale funds, accusations include illegal financial transactions, fraudulent investments, and kickbacks. Furthermore, another investigation is ongoing into the theft of valuables from the hospital's facility in Gujarat.

The Income Tax department has also filed claims in the High Court for over Rs 500 crore, citing fraudulent expenditures by the former trustees.

Prashant Mehta, Permanent Resident Trustee, stated, “The misconduct and financial misappropriation uncovered are a betrayal of the trust's values and pose a direct threat to our hospital's mission. We are dedicated to ensuring accountability for all involved and urge the Enforcement Directorate to take decisive action under the PMLA.”

The militant stance by the Trust underscores the seriousness of the situation, marking it as a landmark scandal in India's medical sector. As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the authorities to deliver justice swiftly.