'Forged documents, posed as UK-based cardiologist': Man with criminal past impersonates surgeon, operates at Madhya Pradesh hospital; 7 dead

NEW DELHI: Authorities in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district have launched a probe into allegations that a man impersonating a British heart surgeon performed surgeries at a private missionary hospital, leading to the death of at least seven patients in a month.The accused, who posed as Dr N John Kem, allegedly forged documents to pass off as a UK-based cardiologist and conducted heart surgeries at the hospital. His real identity has now been confirmed as Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, officials said.While the official death toll stands at seven, local advocate and Damoh Child Welfare Committee president Deepak Tiwari claimed the actual number could be higher."Patients came to us and said they were suspicious and took their kin elsewhere for treatment. That's when we found out the man was a fake — the real Dr Kem is in Britain. This man is Narendra Yadav, with a criminal case against him in Hyderabad," Tiwari told ANI.The missionary hospital, reportedly tied to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, was also receiving government funds, adding to the seriousness of the case. National Human Rights Commission member Priyank Kanoongo confirmed receiving complaints and said the matter is under investigation."We’ve taken cognisance of a fake doctor conducting surgeries under a government scheme. The hospital has received money from Ayushman Bharat, and a probe is underway," Kanoongo said.Investigating officers have seized all hospital documents. Officials found that Yadav used forged credentials, impersonating Dr Kem to gain employment and conduct procedures.Damoh district Collector Sudhir Kochar said a statement would be made once the probe concludes. SP Abhishek Tiwari confirmed that a criminal investigation into the multiple deaths and fraudulent activities is ongoing.The impersonator is also not new to controversy. In July 2023, under the alias Dr N John Kem, he tweeted a bizarre message asking for UP CM Yogi Adityanath to be sent to France during riots, drawing mockery online. He also shared photoshopped images with CM Yogi, further raising questions about his online impersonation tactics.Authorities are now working to track the full extent of his activities and links to past frauds.