Special Correspondent
Nagpur: Senior Congress leader and MLA Vijay Wadettiwar launched a scathing attack on the Mangeshkar family, accusing them of being a “gang of looters.” Wadettiwar alleged that even renowned social worker Dr. Prakash Amte was not spared when he sought treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.
Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said, “Prakash Amte, a great humanitarian and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee, was diagnosed with cancer and admitted to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Initially, the hospital assured us that they would not charge even a rupee for his treatment. But later, under the pretext of external medicines, they demanded and took Rs. 5 lakh.”
Wadettiwar further claimed that he has been facing backlash for his continued criticism of the Mangeshkar family, but he remains firm on his stand.
He also recounted another incident involving the Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh. “Lata Mangeshkar had promised to perform for free at one of their cultural festivals. But later, the Sangh received a message demanding a five-star hotel stay and a special flight arrangement, with an estimated expense of Rs. 22 lakh. When they offered to pay by cheque, Hridaynath Mangeshkar allegedly insisted on cash payment. When the Sangh refused, saying they were an institution and couldn’t pay in cash, they reached out to Lata Mangeshkar, who simply said, ‘Do as Hridaynath says.’ The event was eventually cancelled.”
Wadettiwar also claimed that during a literary meet, a Member of Parliament had invited Lata Mangeshkar. “Initially, Rs. 2 lakh was demanded for her presence. Later, an additional Rs. 3 lakh was asked for. When the payment wasn’t made, she refused to attend,” he alleged.
