The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to businessman Sujit Patkar, a key accused in the multi-crore COVID-19 jumbo centre scam being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.
Patkar is alleged to be a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.
A single-judge bench of Justice Amit Borkar granted the relief citing the prolonged judicial custody since Patkar’s arrest in July 2023, the delay in the commencement of the trial, and the principle of parity with co-accused.
“In view of the aforesaid circumstances and taking into consideration a period of custody undergone by the applicant, ground of parity of co-accused and delay in commencement of trial, this court is of the opinion that the applicant is entitled to be released on bail,” the bench observed.
The court directed Patkar to execute a personal bond of ₹1 lakh, along with additional conditions that will be detailed in a full order to be made available later.
Case Background
Patkar had approached the High Court after a special court rejected his bail plea in November 2023, citing the gravity of the allegations. The special court had remarked that Patkar and his associates had allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy and endangered public lives during the pandemic rather than safeguarding them.
The ED arrested Patkar based on allegations that he, along with other accused, defrauded the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) by under-deploying medical staff at the Worli COVID-19 jumbo centre, despite having secured a government contract for its operation.
Investigators also accused the group of generating fake bills and vouchers to siphon off public funds, describing it as a clear case of money laundering.
ED’s Case & Allegations
Patkar was one of four partners in Lifeline Hospital Management Services, the firm contracted to manage the jumbo facility. The ED’s money laundering case was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the Mumbai Police, which alleged widespread fraud and financial irregularities in the contract execution.
What Lies Ahead
Patkar’s release marks a turning point in the high-profile case, which has drawn attention due to its political implications and the public health crisis backdrop in which the alleged scam occurred.
The court’s detailed bail order is awaited and is expected to outline the restrictions and conditions under which Patkar will remain free as the trial progresses.
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