3 doctors booked for siphoning off ₹4.75 lakh from CM’s Medical Assistance Fund

Three doctors in Maharashtra accused of fraudulently obtaining funds from CM's Medical Assistance Fund, under investigation by EOW.

A case has been registered against three doctors for allegedly obtaining ₹4.75 lakh from the Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Fund by forging documents and patient records at a hospital in Maharashtra’s Thane district, officials said.

In a statement on Saturday evening, the CM’s office called the alleged crime deeply disturbing, saying the fund is meant to support the treatment of underprivileged patients.

Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Economic Offences Wing has taken over the probe into the case, it said.

The case was registered on April 17 under sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 471 (use of forged documents as genuine) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code for the fraud that took place between May and July 2023, an official from the Khadakpada police station said on Saturday.

The CM’s office said the accused, Dr Anudurg Dhone (45), Dr Pradeep Bapu Patil (41) and Dr Ishwar Pawar, allegedly fabricated admission and treatment records for 13 non-existent patients at Ganpati Multi-Speciality Hospital in Ambivili, Mohane.

Fake documents, including records of surgeries and treatment, were submitted to claim Rs 4.75 lakh from the CM’s Medical Assistance Fund, the release said.

“The accused created an elaborate web of forged medical documents to show as if real patients were treated, and even manufactured operation and treatment records,” said a police official.