Australia: Dr Death allowed to keep pension

An Indian-origin surgeon dubbed as "Doctor Death" and linked to more than 80 deaths in an Australian hospital is a step closer to claiming 22,000 dollars in state government superannuation after the corruption watchdog ruled out confiscation of the cash. It would now require a criminal conviction against Jayant Patel and a successful court application under the proceeds of crime laws for taxpayers to keep his money, it said.

Patel fled Australia in 2005 when allegations of serious misconduct surfaced. Health Inquiry Commisioner Geoff Davies recommended charges of manslaughter, assault and fraud against him.

The doctor had 22,000 dollars in unclaimed superannuation but had not made any moves to collect it. Queensland's government Superannuation office had asked the Crime and Misconduct Commission to investigate whether it could confiscate the amount.

Dr Death may be in India

CMC will not be taking any action. It has been determined it is not economically viable; its spokeswoman was quoted by AAP news agency as saying.

Meanwhile, police are continuing to put together a case against Patel and his superannuation proceeds may help prosecutors track down the elusive doctor, now believed to be in the US as he will need to tell the department his whereabouts to claim the amount, 'The Courier Mail' said.

To receive the amount Patel would have to confirm his address and prove he has permanently retired, it said, adding Government faces a much more difficult task to get its hand on the cash under the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act, on grounds the money was dishonestly obtained, it added.