Permanent Trustee of Lilavati Trust writes to PM alleging ₹100 Crore fraud, Seeks central probe

New Delhi:  Prashant Kishor Mehta, Permanent Trustee of the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, one of India’s leading charitable healthcare institutions, has addressed an urgent letter to the Prime Minister of India, alleging a ₹100 crore financial fraud, institutional sabotage, forgery of official Trust records, and criminal intimidation.

In his communication, Mehta has levelled serious allegations against former trustee Rajesh Mehta and his son Harshvardhan Mehta, former Executive Director Param Bir Singh, and certain former senior employees. The letter claims that the accused individuals orchestrated a coordinated conspiracy to siphon off Trust funds and destabilise the governance structure of Lilavati Hospital, a prominent multi-specialty medical institution serving thousands of patients annually.

According to the letter, the alleged fraud involves the use of bogus vendors, fabricated procurement transactions, falsified Minutes of Meetings, and unauthorised financial approvals. The complaint further points to attempts to paralyse hospital governance, instigate internal unrest among staff, and intimidate Trustees and their family members. It also raises concerns about possible international money laundering of Trust funds to the United Kingdom and Dubai.

Mehta has stated that no fewer than five FIRs have been filed between July 2024 and March 2025 in connection with the alleged siphoning of funds. These complaints, he notes, aim to bring to light what he describes as systematic financial irregularities that threaten the integrity of the Trust, which has for decades provided world-class medical care and undertaken large-scale healthcare initiatives for economically weaker sections of society.

The letter reportedly includes a written disclosure from the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer, which, according to Mehta, confirms that major financial irregularities were authorised by the accused individuals.

The Trust’s Chairperson, Charuben Mehta, along with Permanent Trustees Rajiv Mehta and Prashant Mehta, their families, and the Board of Trustees, have expressed grave concern for their safety. The letter claims that the alleged fraud and related actions may endanger critical operations at the hospital and risk patient welfare if not addressed urgently.

Stressing the seriousness of the matter, the Trust has sought immediate intervention by central investigative agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The Trust has also requested protective measures for Trustees and staff, citing alleged threats and criminal intimidation.

In the letter, Mehta emphasises that safeguarding the institution is vital to preserving public faith in charitable healthcare services. He asserts that any destabilisation of the Trust could undermine patient welfare and erode confidence in the governance of public charitable medical institutions in India.

The matter is expected to draw significant attention in the coming days as authorities review the allegations and determine the next course of action.