A person identified in security and media reports as Dr. Rafiq has drawn attention for his covert role in providing medical services deep within Maoist-controlled territories of Dandakaranya, a forested region spanning parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh as reported by TOI.
Over more than a decade, Dr. Rafiq, whose real name is believed to be Mandip, operated an informal medical network treating injured Maoist guerrillas and tribal villagers in forest camps and remote areas where formal healthcare is limited or unavailable.
According to surrendered Maoist cadres and security officials, Dr. Rafiq is a formally trained doctor (MBBS) from the northern Indian state of Punjab who joined the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
He first came to public notice through confessions of arrested Maoist operatives in 2013, earning the nickname “mystery doctor” due to his secrecy and elusive presence within insurgent camps.
Security records from 2018 also referenced an associate described as “Rinki, wife of MBBS Dr. Rafiq”, who reportedly cared for senior Maoist commander Prashant Bose.
Dr. Rafiq’s activities were centred in Dandakaranya, especially in the Maad area of Abujhmarh, a region known as a stronghold of Maoist insurgents.
Within the dense forests, he is reported to have performed emergency surgeries by torchlight, treated wounds including bullet injuries, and provided care for common ailments such as malaria, snakebites, gastroenteritis, and trauma.
Beyond individual patient care, Dr. Rafiq is credited with establishing a parallel healthcare network to address medical needs within Maoist areas where state healthcare infrastructure is largely absent.
Former Maoist M Venkatraju (CNN Chandu) described Dr. Rafiq as the only formally trained physician in the movement, noted for training local villagers and cadres in first aid, wound care, and even bullet removal techniques.
Dr. Rafiq also documented treatments and clinical knowledge into manuals intended for use under rudimentary conditions, combining modern medical approaches with traditional healthcare practices, such as herbal remedies known to local tribal healers to expand care in remote zones.
He is believed to remain at large, although his current whereabouts are unconfirmed.
While Dr. Rafiq’s activities were primarily medical, law enforcement authorities have tracked his movements due to his association with an insurgent group, (Maoist) classified as banned under Indian law.
His case illustrates the complex intersection between healthcare delivery and internal security dynamics in regions affected by left-wing extremism.
(Rh/TL)