Pratyusha Banerjee’s father suspects foul play

Father of deceased actor Pratyusha Banerjee, Shankar Banerjee, has written a letter to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), to which this newspaper has access, appealing for inquiry and appropriate action against Dr Santosh Goel, managing director of Shri Sai Nursing Home, Kandivali (east), where Pratyusha’s boyfriend, Rahul Raj Singh, has been admitted since April 3.

In his letter, Mr Banerjee has said that he suspects foul play and fears that the hospital is saving Rahul from police investigation by declaring him unwell.

According to Mr Banerjee, his wife and he suspect that their daughter was killed by Rahul and after her death, Rahul, on the pretext of some illness, got admitted to Shri Sai Hospital, which is looking like a high-handed conspiracy between the accused and the hospital management.

Mr Banerjee’s letter said, “We also have doubts that they have unofficially taken money from Rahul as well and are giving him protection and helping him to get bail on medical grounds, which is a matter of serious concern. We are also doubtful regarding the registration of the hospital and its doctors.”

Mr Banerjee further alleged that they have learnt that in the past too, Shri Sai Hospital has shielded criminals by taking huge amounts of money from them. Hence, an inquiry should be conducted against the hospital and its management.

Earlier this week, the high court granted Rahul interim relief on medical grounds on his bail application.

Meanwhile, Dr Goel rubbished Mr Banerjee’s claims saying that the police was keeping a close eye on Rahul and that initially, he was admitted for vomiting but later, they found he was suffering from mental illness because of which the psychiatrist treated him accordingly.

“He was constantly saying things and showing suicidal intentions, so we are treating him. If we had taken money from him, how could we have discharged him now,” said Dr Goel, adding that there was no conspiracy and they being doctors, were treating him.