Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital Trust Accuses 7 Ex-Trustees, Others of ₹1,250 Cr Fraud
The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, which runs Mumbai’s renowned Lilavati Hospital, has taken a massive step in uncovering a scandal of significant proportions. The trust has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against seven former trustees and 10 others, accusing them of embezzling a staggering ₹1,250 crore over the course of 20 years. This is the third FIR filed against the ex-trustees, with the hospital’s executive director, Param Bir Singh, terming it “a massive fraud” that has shaken the very foundations of the hospital.
The FIR, filed with the Marine Drive police station, alleges that the accused individuals siphoned off funds meant for various hospital projects, including the construction of new buildings, equipment purchases, and staff salaries. The trust has accused the former trustees of misusing their power and position to embezzle funds, and has sought action against them under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Maharashtra Charitable Trusts Act.
The Lilavati Hospital, founded in 1978, is one of Mumbai’s premier healthcare institutions, with a reputation for excellence in medical care and research. The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a team of highly skilled doctors and medical professionals. However, the recent allegations have raised serious questions about the institution’s governance and financial management.
According to the FIR, the accused individuals, including former trustees, ex-employees, and businessmen, had allegedly diverted funds meant for hospital projects to their personal accounts. The FIR also alleges that the accused had misused their position to manipulate financial transactions, falsify records, and destroy evidence to cover their tracks.
The trust has accused Prashant Mehta, a former trustee and son of the hospital’s founder, Kirtilal Mehta, of playing a key role in the alleged fraud. Mehta, who is also the hospital’s permanent trustee, has denied any wrongdoing and has described the allegations as “baseless and motivated.”
The Lilavati Hospital trust has sought action against the accused under sections of the IPC, including criminal breach of trust, cheating, and forgery. The trust has also sought a detailed investigation into the alleged fraud, including a forensic audit of the hospital’s financial records and a probe into the role of the accused individuals.
The hospital’s executive director, Param Bir Singh, has described the alleged fraud as “the biggest in the hospital industry,” and has vowed to take all necessary steps to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Singh has also assured patients and staff that the hospital will continue to function normally and that there will be no disruption to medical services.
The FIR has sent shockwaves through the medical community in Mumbai, with many hospitals and healthcare institutions expressing concern about the alleged fraud. The Maharashtra Medical Council has also taken note of the allegations and has announced an investigation into the matter.
The Lilavati Hospital trust’s decision to file an FIR against the accused individuals is a significant development in the ongoing saga of hospital corruption. The trust’s move is seen as a bold step towards accountability and transparency, and is likely to send a strong message to others who may be involved in similar fraudulent activities.
As the investigation into the alleged fraud continues, the Lilavati Hospital trust is likely to face numerous challenges, including the need to restore faith in the institution’s governance and financial management. The trust will also need to work closely with the authorities to ensure that those responsible for the alleged fraud are brought to justice.
In conclusion, the allegations of embezzlement at the Lilavati Hospital trust are a sobering reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. The trust’s decision to file an FIR against the accused individuals is a significant step towards ensuring that those responsible for the alleged fraud are held accountable, and that the hospital’s reputation is restored.
