Nizamabad Medical College mired in controversy

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The revival of CMC Medical College in Dichpalli, Nizamabad, remains uncertain ahead of key talks with Church of South India (CSI) leaders on September 18–19. Once shut for 18 years, the college was leased in 2024 by retired IAS officer Dr. Shanmugha Mahalingam, whose firm IMSR Pvt. Ltd. signed a 36-year deal with CSI, pledging ₹3 crore annually. Mahalingam has already invested ₹30 crore and set up a hospital as a first step.

However, a control tussle derailed progress. Local IMA doctor Ajja Srinivas, initially involved in the project, allegedly made financial deals to gain control. During Mahalingam’s illness, Srinivas recruited over 110 staff without approval, despite low patient turnout and a ₹25 lakh monthly wage bill.

Mahalingam later accused Srinivas of threats and assault, but police did not register his complaints. Instead, Srinivas filed a counter-case, prompting swift police action. On July 30, CSI’s Medical Board controversially named Srinivas “Honorary Director,” raising questions about internal politics.

Mahalingam has faced smear campaigns branding him a fraud, which he strongly denied, blaming local medical lobbies. Observers suspect vested interests fear competition. With CSI’s final verdict pending, the college’s fate—and its impact on Nizamabad healthcare—remains in limbo.