A significant member of the Indian community in Sydney, Mr. Amit Sharma, has found himself implicated in a situation involving the alleged unlawful acquisition of information on more than 40,000 NDIS clients, which was subsequently used to submit fraudulent claims. Alongside former NDIS employee Ms. Leena Kumar, Mr. Sharma appeared in Parramatta Local Court on April 5 to answer these allegations.
Recognized for his passion for Bollywood, Mr. Sharma has made a name for himself through hosting glamorous Bollywood events and overseeing various business ventures. His connections within the entertainment industry are evident in photos depicting him and his wife, Nikita, socializing with renowned Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam during a concert in Sydney in 2019.
Mr. Sharma is facing charges such as the disclosure of protected agency information, unauthorized use of protected agency information, and fraudulent intention to obtain financial gain. Former NDIS employee, Ms. Kumar, is also facing her own set of charges associated with the case.
Both Mr. Sharma and Ms. Kumar have been subjected to a permanent ban by the NDIS, prohibiting their involvement in any capacity with the provision of NDIS support or services for individuals with disabilities. The ban extends to their business activities, including the management of NDIS funds.
It is noteworthy that several of Mr. Sharma’s businesses, namely a travel agency, an educational institution, and a couple of cleaning services, all registered at his residence in Carlingford, northwest Sydney, are now prohibited from operating with the NDIS. Furthermore, Mr. Sharma’s six-bedroom mansion, situated on a 1,132sqm property, has been listed for sale with an estimated price of $2.3 million.
While Mr. Sharma’s businesses have been affected, it is important to highlight that his wife, Ms. Nikita Patel Sharma, has not been charged or implicated in any criminal legal procedures. The NDIS ban also prohibits Mr. Sharma and Ms. Kumar from managing NDIS funds, significantly impacting their operations.
In light of these serious allegations, Daily Mail Australia has attempted to contact Ms. Sharma for a statement, with no response as of yet. The legal proceedings for Mr. Sharma and Ms. Kumar are ongoing, and they are scheduled to appear in Parramatta Local Court on May 24.
This case serves as a strong reminder of the significance of ethical conduct, especially when handling sensitive information and services designed to support vulnerable individuals. The outcome of these legal proceedings will undoubtedly be of great interest to many, particularly those invested in the welfare of NDIS clients and the integrity of the services provided to them.