Damoh (Madhya Pradesh) [India], April 5 (HBTV): Authorities in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh have launched an investigation into allegations that a fake doctor, posing as a renowned British cardiologist, performed heart surgeries at a private missionary hospital, resulting in at least seven deaths.

The accused, initially identified as N John Kem, allegedly secured employment at the Christian missionary hospital by impersonating a famous UK-based doctor with the same name. Claiming to be a cardiologist, he performed surgeries on several patients, all of whom reportedly died shortly afterward, officials said. Further inquiry revealed his real identity as Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav.

Deepak Tiwari, an advocate and district president of the Child Welfare Committee, filed a complaint with the Damoh District Magistrate and alleged that the actual death toll may be significantly higher than seven.

‘Some patients, who did not die, came to us and told us that they had taken their father to the hospital. The guy was ready to operate, but they were a bit apprehensive, so they took their father to Jabalpur. We then found out that a fake doctor was working at the hospital. The real doctor is in Britain, and this person’s real name is Narendra Yadav. There is a case against him in Hyderabad, and he has never shown his real documents,’ Tiwari told ANI.

Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, confirmed that the missionary hospital was also receiving government funds under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

‘We got a complaint that a fake doctor has performed surgery on patients in the missionary hospital. We were also told that the hospital is associated with the Ayushman Bharat scheme and has been taking money from the government. This is a serious complaint; we have taken cognisance of the matter, and an investigation is currently going on,’ Kanoongo said.

In response to the allegations, the district investigation team has seized all relevant documents from the hospital. Preliminary findings indicate that the accused submitted forged credentials mimicking those of the British cardiologist. Yadav is also reportedly involved in multiple controversies, including a criminal case registered in Hyderabad.

Damoh District Collector Sudhir Kochar stated that he would issue a formal statement once the investigation concludes.

Damoh Superintendent of Police Abhishek Tiwari confirmed ongoing investigations into the reported deaths at the missionary hospital.

The accused had previously drawn attention in July 2023 when he, under the guise of Dr. N John Kem, posted a controversial tweet urging the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to be sent to France to quell riots. The tweet was widely mocked by political leaders. He had also shared digitally altered photographs with the UP CM under a fake identity.

(ANI)