The Cachar police in Silchar, Assam, have arrested a man for practising as a doctor without a valid medical degree or recognised medical qualifications, as reported by Barak Bulletin. The arrest followed a surprise inspection and multiple complaints from the public, prompting law enforcement action against unqualified medical practice in the region on last Tuesday, 6th January.
Authorities are investigating how long the individual had been attending to patients and whether the unqualified practice adversely affected patient health.
The accused, Kamrul Islam Mazumder, a resident of the Kathal Point area near 2nd Link Road in Silchar, was found to be presenting himself as an MBBS-qualified doctor despite having no recognised medical degree or official credentials. Police said he had been seeing patients and offering medical treatment, claiming expertise he did not legally possess.
Police action followed public complaints and subsequent inspections that revealed the absence of legitimate medical training or registration. Further investigation is underway to determine the duration and scope of the fraudulent practice.
This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on unqualified medical practitioners by the Cachar police and state authorities. In recent months, numerous fraudulent practitioners, including fake dentists and unregistered medical practitioners have been apprehended in the Barak Valley and surrounding districts following similar complaints and inspections.
For example, police previously arrested individuals posing as dental practitioners without formal qualifications after complaints from the Indian Dental Association, Assam State Branch. These arrests included individuals running dental clinics without valid credentials, some reportedly operating for years as reported by The Hans India.
Authorities in Assam have also acted against others found to be practising medicine with forged degrees, including certificates from unverified institutions. The state’s anti-quackery and vigilance cell works jointly with law enforcement to identify and apprehend fraudulent practitioners in order to protect patient safety and uphold healthcare standards.
In India, medical practice is regulated by statutory bodies such as the National Medical Commission (NMC) and state medical councils. Individuals must hold recognised medical qualifications (such as MBBS or higher) and be registered with the state medical councils before practising medicine. Practising without registration or qualifications is an offence under Indian law and can lead to criminal prosecution, including charges related to fraud, misrepresentation, and endangering public health.
Police have not yet disclosed how long the accused had been practising or whether any patients were harmed as a result. Further investigation is underway to verify the extent of the fraudulent practice and to determine whether others are involved in similar activities. Authorities continue to urge the public to verify the credentials of healthcare professionals and report suspicious practices to police or medical councils.
(Rh)