In a stunning development, the Bombay High Court granted bail to businessman Sujit Patkar on Wednesday, an alleged key figure in the multi-crore COVID-19 jumbo centre scam under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Patkar, reportedly an aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, was arrested in July 2023 for his role in the scandal.

Justice Amit Borkar’s bench cited Patkar’s prolonged detention since his arrest, the delayed trial, and parity with co-accused as reasons for the decision. “Considering the custody period, parity with co-accused, and trial delays, the applicant is entitled to bail,” the court stated. Patkar was ordered to furnish a Rs 1 lakh personal bond with additional conditions, with a detailed order to follow.

The case stems from allegations that Patkar and his partners at Lifeline Hospital Management Services defrauded the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The firm, contracted to operate a COVID-19 jumbo centre in Worli, allegedly under-deployed medical staff and submitted fake bills, generating illicit profits during the pandemic. A special court had previously denied Patkar’s bail in November 2024, accusing him of a conspiracy that endangered lives instead of saving them.

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The ED’s money laundering probe followed a Mumbai Police FIR against Patkar and others involved. The decision to grant bail has sparked debate, with many questioning the handling of high-profile fraud cases tied to the pandemic response.

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