The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Dec 17, 2024 has apprehended eight individuals involved in a large-scale fraud related to the illegal creation of Ayushman Bharat health cards by exploiting vulnerabilities in government portals.
This scam came to light after the deaths of two patients at Khyati Multispeciality Hospital in Ahmedabad, triggering an intensive investigation. On November 12, following these deaths, three criminal cases were registered at the Vastrapur police station, which were later transferred to the crime branch due to the seriousness of the matter.
The investigation uncovered the hospital’s involvement in hosting a health camp on November 10 in Borisana (Kadi), where patient data was unlawfully accessed and manipulated. During raids, authorities seized two computers containing critical patient records and original documentation, which provided substantial evidence of fraudulent activity.
It was revealed that fake Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) cards were being created and sold. Chirag Rajput, a key suspect, worked with Nimesh Dodiya, who promoted card-making services through online platforms. These fraudulent cards were sold at ₹1,500–₹2,000 each, with Dodiya reportedly pocketing ₹1,000 per card.
The group utilized platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to coordinate with accomplices across Gujarat and other states. Individuals including Mohammad Fazal (Ahmedabad), Mohammad Asfaque Sheikh (Vatva), Narendra Gohil (Bhavnagar), Imtiyaz (Bhavnagar), and Imran Jabir Husain Karigar (Surat) were identified as members of the network. They manipulated the Ayushman Bharat portal’s source code to produce between 1,200 and 1,500 fake cards.
Additionally, Enser Communication Pvt Ltd, the government-contracted agency for Ayushman Bharat card creation, was implicated. An employee, Nikhil Parekh, allegedly provided unauthorized login credentials to the group, earning a monthly sum of ₹8,000–₹10,000. These credentials were then exploited for illicit E-KYC approvals.
Key evidence recovered includes two computers with patient data, records of angiography procedures, over 1,000 suspected Ayushman Bharat card-related IDs found on Dodiya’s laptop, video footage of the fraudulent card-making process, and testimonies linking the accused to the scam.
Those arrested include Chirag Hirasinh Rajput (Ahmedabad), Nimesh Dilipbhai Dodiya (Ahmedabad), Mohammad Fazal Sheikh (Ahmedabad), Mohammad Asfaque Sheikh (Vatva, Ahmedabad), Narendra Gohil (Bhavnagar), Imtiyaz (Bhavnagar), and Imran Jabir Husain Karigar (Surat).
Charges filed against them include forgery, cheating, and tampering with government portal systems. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover additional individuals involved in the scheme.
Source of Information: https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/gujarat-ahmedabad-crime-branch-busts-multi-crore-ayushman-card-fraud-8-arrested20241217231345/
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