Orthopaedic Surgeon arrested in fake degree case Granted Bail

Mumbai: A magistrate court in Mumbai on Wednesday granted bail to a 44-year-old orthopaedic surgeon arrested last week over allegations of forging his MS Orthopaedics degree and misrepresenting his medical credentials. Judicial Magistrate SP Bhosale ordered the doctor's release upon furnishing a cash bail of Rs. 50,000.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that a fake orthopaedic surgeon has been arrested for allegedly duping patients by pretending to be a qualified and certified medical practitioner at several top private hospitals in the western suburbs without a valid medical degree. He is currently in judicial custody.

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The complaint a resident of Saminder, who has suffered from chronic back pain since 2016, claimed his condition worsened after a consultation with the doctor at a five-star hospital in Mumbai’s western suburbs in November 2024. He was prescribed painkillers and advised to exercise, but the pain reportedly intensified.

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"On the very first production of the accused before the court, this court rejected the prayers of the investigating officer seeking police custody, and the accused was taken into judicial custody. It will take considerable time for the investigation and the trial. No purpose will be served by keeping him in judicial custody for indefinite period," the court said while granting bail, TOI reports.

The Doctor's legal team, comprising advocate Karan Mehta and advocate Vyas Bhikhalal, contested the legality of the arrest, arguing that proper statutory procedures had not been followed. They asserted that Dr. Wankhede is a certified MBBS doctor and denied allegations that he used fake degrees for employment.

Mehta further clarified that the doctor holds a diploma in orthopaedics, which is a legitimate and recognized qualification awarded by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences and acknowledged by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). Additionally, the doctor had obtained an MS degree in orthopaedics from Seychelles, which was valid in India until its recognition was withdrawn in 2015.

The defence maintained that the doctor had not misled authorities or institutions post-2015, and any allegations related to fraud or misuse of documents were baseless. His legal team also confirmed that the doctor intends to challenge the case in the Bombay High Court.

Meanwhile, the police investigation continues as authorities gather evidence to ascertain the extent of the alleged misrepresentation. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the police officer said, “We are trying to get all records about Dr Wankhede and the number of patients he has operated upon from the hospital. Some of his patients have already approached us.”