Mumbai’s prestigious Lilavati Hospital is embroiled in controversy after its current trustees accused former board members of financial misappropriation amounting to Rs 1,200 crore. In a shocking revelation, the trustees also alleged that black magic rituals were performed within the hospital premises.
Allegations of Large-Scale Financial Misconduct
The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust has lodged multiple complaints against the former trustees, citing severe financial irregularities. According to the trust, funds were allegedly siphoned off, directly impacting the operations of the Bandra-based hospital.
Permanent Resident Trustee Prashant Mehta addressed the media, stating, “More than three FIRs have been filed against the former trustees and other related individuals. A fourth proceeding against these individuals is now pending before the Learned Magistrate, based on our complaint filed in the Bandra Police Station for black magic and occult practices.”
He further emphasized the trust’s commitment to accountability, adding, “We are committed to upholding the integrity of the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust and ensuring that funds meant for healthcare services are used solely for the benefit of patients who rely on us daily.”
Forensic Audit Uncovers Massive Fund Diversion
Following a prolonged legal battle, the current trustees commissioned a forensic audit conducted by Chetan Dalal Investigation and Management Services and ADB and Associates. The audit reportedly exposed extensive financial mismanagement.
Mr. Mehta elaborated on the findings, saying, “We undertook audits, and the forensic auditors have come up with more than five reports, which clearly state that more than Rs 1,500 crore has been siphoned and misappropriated by this illegal group of trustees. This money has been siphoned off by former trustees, most of whom are NRIs and residents of Dubai and Belgium.”
The allegations include fraudulent dealings with third-party distributors and unauthorized use of trust funds for personal expenditures.
Claims of Black Magic Within Hospital Premises
In a startling twist, the current trustees also alleged that black magic rituals were performed on hospital grounds. Former Mumbai Police Commissioner and the hospital’s Executive Director, Parambir Singh, recounted the bizarre discovery.
“Some employees said articles related to black magic had been placed under the floor of the current trustees’ office. So, in the presence of witnesses and under videography, we dug up the floor and found eight urns. They contained human remains, bones, hair, rice, and other items used in black magic,” he stated.
After the police allegedly refused to register a case under Maharashtra’s anti-superstition law, the trust approached the court, which subsequently ordered an inquiry.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations
The trust has filed complaints with both the police and the Enforcement Directorate, leading to the registration of multiple FIRs. The allegations of black magic and financial misappropriation have intensified scrutiny on the former trustees.
As investigations progress, the unfolding scandal has raised serious concerns about governance and ethical practices within one of Mumbai’s most reputed healthcare institutions.
