In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Covid field hospital money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Sujit Patkar, co-owner of Lifeline Hospital Management Services (LHMS), and four accomplices in connection with a Rs 32.44 crore fraud. The case involves manipulation of Covid-19 tender documents, fake invoices, and the diversion of public funds during the pandemic.
The arrested individuals include Sunil Kadam, Sonu Bajaj, Sanjay Parab, and Ravikanth Singh. Despite multiple summons, one of the accused failed to appear before the ED for questioning, leading to their arrest.
The ED’s chargesheet, submitted after over a year of investigation, alleges that the accused conspired with several BMC officials to fraudulently secure Covid-19 supply contracts for LHMS. The contracts were awarded by BMC’s Central Purchase Division, which was responsible for supplying equipment and staffing to Jumbo Covid Centres. These centres were critical during the pandemic’s peak.
The chargesheet further reveals that the accused deployed fewer healthcare staff than agreed, compromising the quality of care provided to Covid-19 patients. The ED also found that manipulated attendance sheets were used to raise false bills for services not provided. Despite these discrepancies, BMC officials, including junior staff and the dean of the Jumbo Covid Centres, allegedly approved and cleared these inflated bills without proper verification.
Between September 2020 and June 2022, the BMC paid Rs 32.44 crore to LHMS. In return, the partners of LHMS — Sujit Patkar, Dr. Hemant Gupta, Sanjay Shah, and Rajiv Salunkhe — along with their associates, allegedly funneled the proceeds of the fraud into personal accounts and other entities connected to them. These funds were later used for personal expenses and investments, disguised as legitimate money.
The ED has attached properties worth Rs 12.23 crore, including a flat worth Rs 3 crore in Oshiwara, as part of its investigation. The case highlights significant irregularities in the allocation of Covid-related contracts and exposes the fraudulent activities of those who exploited the pandemic to enrich themselves at the cost of public health.
The ED’s investigation continues, with authorities vowing to take further action against those responsible for these financial crimes that deprived the government of essential resources during a time of crisis.
