Questions Raised Over Crowdfunding for Treatment of Two-Year-Old Manoshree Choudhury, Calls Grow for High-Level Probe
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 13, 2026
Serious questions have been raised over the collection and utilisation of funds allegedly raised in the name of the treatment of two-year-old Tripura child Manoshree Choudhury, who has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, following a statement issued by the state Health Department.
The controversy centres on the alleged collection of crores of rupees from members of the public through crowdfunding and other means, while the state government has stated that Manoshree's treatment is being provided under government supervision at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, and that the expenditure on her treatment so far has reportedly been only Rs.2.29 lakh.
According to the Health Department's statement, the Union Ministry of Finance had sanctioned Rs.50 lakh for Manoshree's treatment, while Tata Trusts contributed Rs.20 lakh following a request from the state Health Department.
At the same time, substantial financial assistance was reportedly extended by people from Tripura and outside the state after appeals for help for the child's treatment circulated publicly.
Allegations over the amount collected
Questions are now being raised over the total amount collected from the public in Manoshree's name. Allegations circulating in public discussions claim that the amount could be anywhere between Rs.10 crore and Rs.12 crore or even more. However, no independently verified figure has yet been established, and there appears to be no publicly available consolidated statement showing the total amount collected, the sources of the funds and their utilisation.
The allegations have particularly focused on the role of Raja Saha, who is alleged to have assisted Manoshree's father during the fundraising campaign.
Critics are asking why the exact amount collected for Manoshree's treatment was not clearly disclosed to donors and the public, particularly when government financial assistance and treatment facilities were already available.
A major point of controversy is the campaign surrounding Zolgensma, a gene therapy used in certain cases of SMA and known for its extremely high cost.
According to the allegations, appeals were made for raising approximately Rs.16 crore for the injection, despite the child subsequently receiving treatment under government supervision at Dibrugarh.
The claim that the expensive injection was required has now come under scrutiny following the reported medical assessment that Zolgensma is not currently required for Manoshree.
This has led to questions about the medical basis on which the fundraising target was established and whether donors were adequately informed about the child's actual treatment arrangements.
The state Health Department's statement has added another significant dimension to the controversy.
It reportedly said that Manoshree's treatment is being conducted under government supervision at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh. The Dibrugarh Centre of Excellence has also reportedly supplied medicines for the child and provided the state Health Department with details of the treatment expenditure.
According to the government's account, the expenditure incurred for Manoshree's treatment so far stands at only Rs.2.29 lakh.
The disclosure has prompted questions about the fundraising campaign, particularly whether donors were informed that the child was receiving treatment through the government-supported medical system.
Another issue being raised concerns the manner in which crowdfunding was allegedly conducted.
For complicated and expensive medical cases, crowdfunding campaigns generally require accurate medical documentation and transparency regarding the treatment plan, estimated expenditure and the role of the treating hospital. Critics allege that the fundraising campaign for Manoshree was conducted without adequately establishing these details through the treating institution.
The allegations, however, require independent verification, and any conclusion regarding financial wrongdoing would need to be based on documentary evidence and a formal investigation.
The central question now being asked is straightforward: How much money was actually collected in Manoshree's name, through which bank accounts and other channels, and how was that money spent?
According to the allegations, contributions were made through cash, cheques and various digital gpay payment accounts. If the amount collected was indeed several crores of rupees, campaign organisers would need to provide a complete account of the money received and expenditure incurred.
Questions have also been raised over differing figures allegedly cited on social media at different times regarding the amount collected.
The controversy has now triggered demands for a high-level, independent investigation to establish the facts.
Those seeking an inquiry have called for examination of:
The total amount collected in Manoshree's name.
Bank accounts and digital payment channels used for fundraising.
Cash and cheque collections, if any.
The original medical advice concerning Zolgensma.
Whether the Rs.16-crore fundraising target was medically justified at the time.
Government funds and assistance received for the child's treatment.
The actual treatment expenditure incurred.
The utilisation of money collected from individual donors and organisations.
Whether donors were given accurate information about the child's treatment arrangements.
The issue is particularly sensitive because the fundraising campaign reportedly drew upon the compassion and financial support of ordinary people who contributed believing that their money was necessary to save a critically ill child.
While the allegations have generated considerable public concern, accusations of embezzlement or misappropriation cannot be established merely through social-media claims or differences between fundraising figures and government expenditure.
A transparent investigation, supported by bank statements, donation records, medical documents, invoices and treatment records, would be necessary to determine whether any financial irregularity actually occurred.
For the public, the immediate demand is for transparency. If substantial funds were collected in Manoshree's name, donors have a legitimate interest in knowing how much was received, how much was spent and where the remaining funds, if any, are currently held.
The controversy therefore presents the Tripura government with an opportunity to establish the complete facts and protect both the interests of the child and the trust of thousands of people who contribute to medical crowdfunding appeals.
more news...