In 2008, a team of members of the state legislature council came to meet me at Jaslok Hospital. They complained against the hospital for not doing enough charity. They demanded to know the details. I turned down their request and guided them to seek the details from the office of the charity commissioner. I also informed them that we submit our monthly reports to the charity commissioner who regularly monitors the hospital.

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If I remember correctly, on September 16, 2008, I was summoned before a committee. As suggested, I appeared before them and answered all their queries. In the end, I got the impression that they were satisfied with my answers.  I must admit that the committee members treated me well. At that time I told them I never wanted to offend anybody. And if anybody is offended I express my apology. Since that day I haven’t heard anything from them nor was called again.

I am really not aware about today’s developments as I am away in America for the last two weeks. But if the state legislature council has decided to summon me I will go. Let me state my conscience is clear. I am willing to answer their queries.

There is no question of my raising a hand against any individual. Let me make it clear that I come from an army background and would never behave in such an uncivilised manner. If anybody is making such charge against me he is a liar. I will never do such a thing.

But if somebody comes to my chamber and starts threatening me I am bound to reply. But I never intended to offend any of the members.

I am used to charges of Jaslok not doing any charity. But I must state that we have never turned down a poor patient. We have always accommodated and treated the poor patients in our hospital.—As told to Shubhangi Khapre