A self-proclaimed doctor who falsely claimed to be an expert in HIV and cancer treatment was arrested by Bhubaneswar police in the Laxmisagar area on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Ajit Kumar Kandi (47), is a resident of Dengabahali village in Dhenkanal district. Kandi allegedly looted patients of thousands of rupees by selling fraudulent medications and wellness products under the guise of providing medical care.
Kandi and his two associates, who claimed to be skin specialists, were running a fraudulent healthcare unit named Asclepius Wellness Pvt Ltd, based in the Satya Nagar area of the city. The unit was reportedly selling medications and wellness products under the same brand, misleading patients into believing they were receiving legitimate treatments for HIV and cancer.
According to ACP Manas Kumar Deo, the trio had been operating for an extended period before being caught. During the raid, the police seized more than a dozen bottles of tablets, syrups, as well as identity cards and Rs1.17 lakh in cash from the accused’s possession. The police are now investigating whether the accused were involved in other fraudulent medical practices across the city.
The two associates of Kandi, who falsely claimed to be skin specialists, were also arrested. Authorities are continuing to probe the extent of the fraud and are working to identify the number of patients who may have been deceived and exploited by the bogus medical practitioners.
This arrest serves as a reminder to the public to be cautious when seeking medical treatments, especially when dealing with unverified and self-proclaimed healthcare providers.