The imposter claimed to be a doctor from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) lands in police custody
Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla: In a bizarre incident, a fake doctor posing as a cardiologist was apprehended by vigilant locals and chemists near the chemist complex outside the Associated Hospital of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla. The imposter, who claimed to be a doctor from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), was caught red-handed while attempting to deceive people and chemists in Baramulla on Tuesday.
According to eyewitnesses, the fake doctor first approached a chemist shop in Baramulla main town, near the old district hospital. Introducing himself as a cardiologist from AIIMS, he allegedly demanded money from the chemist, claiming he needed it to refuel his car. In return, he promised to offer his services as a cardiologist at the chemist’s shop. However, the chemist smell rat and refused to hand over any money.
Undeterred, the imposter then visited the chemist shopping complex outside GMC Baramulla, seeking a space to set up a private practice as a cardiologist. His suspicious behavior and lack of proper credentials raised alarms among the locals and chemists, who immediately alerted senior journalist Umar Rashid.
Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the man was carrying a fake identity card bearing the name Dr. Abdul Razak Khan, son of Ali Mohammad Khan, with an address listed as Tankipora near the DC Office in Srinagar. The card falsely claimed he was associated with the Department of Medicine HIV/AIDS at AIIMS, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, and included contact numbers 8803974155 and 9419430326. However, the card and its details were found to be fabricated.
“The locals confronted him and asked for his qualifications and credentials, which he failed to provide. Realizing he was a fraud, they immediately grabbed him and informed me. I joined the operation to ensure he was handed over to the police,” said senior journalist Umar Rashid, who has previously exposed several fake Hakeems and Unani doctors in Baramulla district.
The fake doctor attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly caught by the locals and handed over to the Baramulla police station, where an investigation is currently underway. Preliminary findings suggest that the imposter hails from Rajouri Jammu and had been using the fake identity card to deceive people. Sources said his educational qualification is 12th class.
The police have taken serious note of the incident and have initiated a thorough investigation. “Such individuals play with the lives of innocent people, and strict action will be taken against them,” a police official stated.
The civil society in Baramulla has lauded the efforts of the locals, chemists, journalist Umar Rashid and police for their vigilance in exposing the fraud. “This is a serious issue, and we are grateful to those who acted swiftly to ensure the fake doctor was caught. Such imposters not only deceive people but also endanger lives,” said a local resident Mushtaq Ahmad.
This incident has once again highlighted the need for stricter verification processes for medical practitioners and greater public awareness to prevent such frauds in the future. The police have urged people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals claiming to be doctors without proper credentials.
As the investigation continues, the people of Baramulla hope that this case will serve as a deterrent to others who might attempt to exploit the trust of innocent citizens in the guise of medical professionals.