EOW probe launched into Rs 4.18 cr fraud at Sassoon hospital

As per the FIR, hospital funds of Rs 4,18,62,942 were illegally transferred into bank accounts of 16 government servants working at Sassoon hospital and eight private persons.

Police have booked 23 persons along with the Sassoon hospital accountant and cashier under sections 420, 409, 406, 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

The FIR mentioned that the accountant and cashier at Sassoon hospital allegedly transferred hospital funds illegally into bank accounts of others accused.

Irregularities were observed in financial transactions pertaining to hospital funds during an audit, hospital authorities said. An internal committee was set up in August this year for an inquiry into alleged fund misappropriations. The inquiry committee found a fraud of about Rs 4.18 crore.

Dr Eknath Pawar, dean of Sassoon hospital and B J Medical College, said that as per orders of the Medical Education Department, 15 employees (five nurses, a ward boy, a medical social workers, an office superintendent and seven clerical staff) were suspended for their alleged involvement in the fraud. They include 11 employees from the B J Medical College and four staffers of the Baramati Medical College, Pawar said.