Sun Apr 20 03:14:49 UTC 2025: ## Three Doctors Arrested for Defrauding Maharashtra CM’s Medical Assistance Fund

**Thane, Maharashtra – April 20, 2025** – Three doctors have been arrested and charged with defrauding the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Fund of ₹4.75 lakh (approximately $57,000 USD). The Economic Offences Wing is investigating the case after a complaint alleging forged documents and fabricated patient records.

The accused, Dr. Anudurg Dhone (45), Dr. Pradeep Bapu Patil (41), and Dr. Ishwar Pawar, allegedly created false admission and treatment records for 13 non-existent patients at Ganpati Multi-Speciality Hospital in Ambivili, Thane. The fraudulent claims, submitted between May and July 2023, included fabricated surgical and treatment records.

The fraud was discovered in July 2023 when irregularities were detected in two applications totaling ₹3.7 lakh and ₹3.1 lakh, respectively, for the treatment of “Arvind Solkhi” and “Bhagwan Bhadane” for brain ailments. Investigations revealed that the patients did not receive treatment at the hospitals specified in the applications.

Upon visiting the Ganpati hospital, authorities found it in deplorable condition. Dr. Dhone, when questioned, fled the scene. Further investigation implicated Dr. Pawar and Dr. Patil in facilitating the fraudulent claims by getting the hospital listed on the government panel. The contact information listed on the applications belonged to Dr. Pawar and Dr. Patil, not the supposedly treated patients or their families.

The Chief Minister’s office condemned the alleged crime, emphasizing that the fund is intended to support underprivileged patients. Rameshwar Naik, head of the CM Relief Fund Cell, stated there will be zero tolerance for such fraud and that the strictest possible action will be taken against those responsible. The case has been registered under sections 420, 406, 471, and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

Read More