Accused Worked at Govt Hospital with Fake Ayush Degree
Jabalpur : Jabalpur police have registered an FIR of cheating against Shubham Awasthi, an alleged bogus doctor who reportedly used a fake Ayush degree to secure a position at the Seth Govind Das District Hospital (formerly Victoria Hospital). Awasthi also served as co-convenor of the BJP Jabalpur district medical cell, sparking further controversy.
Court-Ordered FIR, Ongoing Investigation
The case was registered following an order from the Judicial Magistrate First Class on February 14. Civil Lines Police Inspector Nehru Singh Khandate confirmed the FIR and stated that the investigation is underway.
BJP Responds: Claims Accused Was Removed Two Years Ago
BJP Jabalpur city president Ratnesh Sonkar acknowledged Awasthi’s prior affiliation with the party but stressed that action would be taken after official confirmation.
“The BJP doesn’t tolerate such things… 1001 per cent action will be taken,” he stated.
Party officials said Awasthi was relieved of his duties two years ago after initial accusations surfaced.
Whistleblower’s RTI Complaint Uncovered the Scam
The case came to light when Shailendra Bari, a local resident, filed an RTI seeking Awasthi’s educational credentials after hearing suspicions from a friend admitted to the hospital. Upon verifying the documents with the university and Ayurvedic college, Bari found that no such student was ever enrolled, confirming the allegations.
Awasthi reportedly resigned from the hospital soon after these findings emerged in 2021. When the police did not act on the initial complaint, Bari approached the court, which later directed the police to initiate an investigation.
Another Fake Doctor Case in the Same Week
This incident follows closely on the heels of another case in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, where a “fake cardiologist” was arrested after allegedly contributing to the deaths of seven patients. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of that case.
Growing Concern Over Medical Credential Fraud
These back-to-back revelations highlight a disturbing trend of medical credential fraud in Madhya Pradesh, raising serious concerns about the screening process for government hospital appointments and the need for stricter verification mechanisms.
