Nagpur: After nearly three months of investigation, the Nagpur police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Star 24 Path Lab, a fake pathology laboratory operating from Indora Square in the city, for using the registration number and forging the signatures of a qualified MD pathologist, Dr. Rajeshwar Butey, who is based in Akola.
Dr. Rajeshwar Butey, a wheelchair-bound pathologist from Akola, was unable to travel to Nagpur due to his health issues. The FIR names the laboratory, Star 24 Path Lab, and Dr. Sanjeev Chouksey, a doctor who referred patients to this lab. However, the owner of the lab remains unidentified at this time.
The FIR includes charges under Sections 420 (Cheating), 468 (Forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (Using as genuine a forged document), and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Section 33 of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act 1961. Police efforts are ongoing to locate the lab owner and to question Dr. Chouksey, who is reportedly in poor health.
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Dr. Butey recounted the discovery of the scam in early February. He was contacted by a representative from a private insurance company seeking to verify a pathology report from Nagpur. Dr. Butey was shocked to find that he had not performed the tests or signed the report in question. Upon receiving the report via WhatsApp, he confirmed that his signature and registration number had been forged.
Following Dr. Butey’s complaint, the Nagpur police conducted a thorough investigation over three months, culminating in the registration of the FIR.
Dr. Sandip Yadav, State President of the Maharashtra Association of Practicing Pathologists and Microbiologists, highlighted the potential scale of the scam revealed by this FIR. He stressed that a registered pathologist must be physically present during the testing process. In this case, reports were issued to patients and insurance companies using Dr. Butey’s forged credentials.
Dr. Butey expressed his hope for justice following the registration of the FIR. He remains committed to seeing the investigation through and ensuring accountability for the forgery committed in his name. The police investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the fraudulent activities at Star 24 Path Lab.
