Mumbai, July 13, 2026: The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested a 50-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a doctor for nearly 28 years while orchestrating a fraud involving the alleged diversion of around ₹10 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) (CSR) funds over the past three years. Investigators believe the alleged racket may have operated across multiple states.
As reported by Times of India, the accused was arrested on Sunday, July 12, after Crime Branch Unit I acted on a tip-off and launched an inquiry into his activities. Police alleged that the man, who used the identity of "Dr. Dharmendra Kumar," forged identity documents, opened multiple bank accounts, and, along with his associates, diverted CSR funds through fraudulent means.
According to investigators, the accused was called for questioning by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Raj Tilak Roushan at the Crime Detection Chamber, where his alleged involvement in illegal financial activities came to light.
A search of the accused's residence in Mumbai's Juhu area led to the seizure of project reports and documents containing details of individuals and companies from Maharashtra and other states. Police said the recovered material suggests the alleged fraud may have extended beyond Maharashtra.
"The preliminary investigation has revealed that the scope of this crime extends to more than one state," DCP Raj Tilak Roushan said in an interview with TOI, adding that investigators estimate approximately ₹10 crore was embezzled through CSR funds over the past three years.
During the search, police recovered an identity card bearing the name "Dr. Dharmendra Kumar," a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, visiting cards, certificates purportedly issued by various organisations, medical equipment, treatment-related literature, and other documents allegedly used to support the fake identity.
Investigators are now verifying whether the accused merely posed as a doctor or actively practised medicine and treated patients during the nearly three decades he allegedly lived under the false identity.
Police alleged that the accused organized medical camps, treated patients, and developed contacts within Bollywood over the years. Investigators also said he attended medical camps organized by another accused arrested in the same investigation, where several celebrities were reportedly invited. Police have not alleged that the celebrities were involved in the fraud.
The arrest emerged from an ongoing Crime Branch investigation into a larger cheating syndicate involving multiple individuals accused of impersonating public officials and professionals. Police said multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the broader racket.
The probe initially led to the arrest of Mohammad Gaus Ibrahim Khatib (52), who allegedly used the alias "Dr. Raj Khatib" while also impersonating a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). Police alleged that Khatib and his associates used fabricated identities to gain credibility and facilitate financial fraud.
The present accused's arrest followed information obtained during the interrogation of Khatib and other suspects, including a Jaipur-based businessman and another individual accused of impersonating an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.
The broader investigation stems from a complaint filed by Gujarat businessman Sikander Kothari, who alleged he was cheated after being introduced to individuals claiming to have senior police connections. According to police, the accused allegedly promised to use their influence to recover money Kothari claimed he had lost in a real estate transaction, leading to multiple cheating cases being registered against members of the alleged racket.
Police had earlier arrested Khatib, his son Mashab Khatib, and Shahid Kapadia while they were allegedly attempting to cheat a person seeking a loan. Additional arrests, including Rajasthan businessman Rajesh Bedsingh Choudhary, followed as investigators expanded the probe.
Police alleged that the accused created forged identity documents, opened multiple bank accounts, and, with the assistance of associates, diverted CSR funds through fraudulent transactions. Investigators are now tracing the money trail, verifying the authenticity of the recovered documents, and examining the role of other individuals who may have participated in the alleged scheme.
The accused has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, and the National Medical Commission Act.
He was produced before a Mumbai court on Sunday, July 12, which remanded him to police custody until July 16, 2026.
Police are also verifying the authenticity of the recovered medical certificates, identity documents, and other materials seized during the search.
(Rh/ARC)