Pune: Fake Doctor Sentenced to Two Years of Rigorous Imprisonment
Pune, December 02, 2024: A 34-year-old man from Dhanori, originally from West Bengal, has been sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹2,000 by the Khadki Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Court for practicing medicine without a valid degree. Judicial Magistrate L.V. Shrikhande also ruled that failing to pay the fine would result in an additional 15 days of imprisonment.
The conviction followed an investigation initiated by the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) health department, which received a tip-off about the accused’s unlicensed medical practice. A raid conducted at his makeshift clinic uncovered a significant stockpile of medicines, and the accused was found prescribing treatments despite lacking formal qualifications.
Dr. Rekha Umesh Galande, a medical officer with the PMC, lodged a formal complaint with the Vishrantwadi Police, leading to the arrest of the accused. The investigation, led by Assistant Police Inspector Suryakant Marude, culminated in a detailed charge sheet that included evidence and witness testimonies. Assistant Public Prosecutor Sayali Thokal presented the case in court, which resulted in the conviction.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of unqualified individuals practicing medicine. Similar crackdowns have occurred across India, including in Telangana, where the Medical Council recently uncovered several fake doctors during inspections and initiated legal proceedings.
