UP Shocker: Fake Doctor Ran CCU at Lalitpur Medical College for 3 Years Using Brother-in-Law's Degree
Lalitpur: A sensational case of fraud has rocked Uttar Pradesh's government health system after it was revealed that a convicted fugitive from a decades-old embezzlement case had assumed a fake identity and served as a doctor-heading one of the most sensitive units of a state-run medical college.
For nearly three years, the man, working under the name Dr Rajiv Gupta, was in charge of the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) at the Autonomous State Medical College, Lalitpur, treating critically ill heart patients and even teaching MBBS students, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The shocking deception came to light when the man's sister, Sonali Singh, submitted a written complaint to the district administration, medical college authorities, and the health department. Preliminary investigation revealed that the impersonator was actually Abhinav Singh, a former Customs Department employee.
In 1999, the CBI registered a case against him for embezzling crores of rupees. After the case was filed, he absconded for nearly 20 years and was officially declared a fugitive.
To evade arrest, Abhinav Singh changed his identity, adopted the name Dr. Rajiv Gupta, obtained fake medical degrees, and even changed the surnames of his children.
Using these forged credentials, he became an Associate Professor (Internal Medicine) at KD Medical College in Mathura, where he taught MBBS students.
In March 2019, the CBI finally arrested him in Mathura.
In July 2020, a CBI special court in Mumbai sentenced him to 16 months in prison—time he had already served—and imposed a fine of Rs 9 lakh.
After paying the penalty, he resurfaced once again as “Dr. Rajiv Gupta”.
In 2022, he allegedly used the forged certificate of Dr. Rajiv Jain to secure the position of CCU in-charge at Lalitpur Medical College, where he continued to treat high-risk cardiac patients for two years.
Adding another twist, Abhinav reportedly used the actual credentials of his brother-in-law, Dr. Rajiv Gupta, a senior medical professional working at a major medical institution in Texas, USA.
The real Dr. Rajiv Gupta learned from a batchmate in Delhi that someone had forged documents and even created a fake website using his identity to practice medicine in India.
He immediately filed a complaint with the Central Medical Council, while his wife Sonali Singh (Abhinav’s sister) personally visited Lalitpur to alert authorities.
Once the complaint reached the district administration, officials launched an investigation.
According to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, scrutiny of the certificates and background of the so-called Dr. Rajiv Gupta left authorities stunned.
Sensing that the fraud had been exposed, Abhinav Singh submitted a two-line resignation to the Chief Medical Superintendent, falsely claiming that his mother had died.
Officials confirmed that his mother is alive.
He fled immediately and is currently absconding.
A comprehensive report on the fraudulent appointment has been sent to the District Magistrate.
Based on the sister’s complaint, a criminal case is being registered, and senior officials have been informed to conduct a departmental inquiry into how such a massive oversight occurred.
“A detailed report has been submitted. Action is being taken as per the complaint, and further investigation is underway,” said Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, CMO, Lalitpur.
Authorities from both the health department and the police are now conducting an active search to locate the fugitive, who once again managed to infiltrate the system through forged medical credentials.
Also Read:Fake doctor on the run after 25 years of illegal practice
