The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested six individuals, uncovering a large-scale fraud involving the illegal creation of Ayushman Bharat health cards by exploiting weaknesses in government portals. The arrests are part of the ongoing investigation into the deaths of two beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) at Khyati Multispeciality Hospital.
The accused arrested are identified are: Imran Jabir Husain Karigar from Surat; Imtiyaz from Bhavnagar; Narendra Gohil from Bhavnagar; Nimesh Dilipbhai Dodiya from Ahmedabad; Mohammad Fazal Sheikh from Ahmedabad; and Mohammad Asfaque Sheikh from Ahmedabad.
Earlier, the crime branch arrested the hospital’s CEO and primary suspect, Chirag Rajput, who is now in judicial custody.
A specialised team, working alongside state government-appointed doctors, carried out a thorough investigation. It was discovered that the hospital had organised a health camp in Borisana village of Kadi taluka on November 10, where patient records were accessed and altered. Two computers containing crucial data and original patient files were seized during the raid.
What is the Ayushman Card fraud?
The investigation revealed that fraudulent Ayushman Bharat cards were being produced. Chirag Rajput, an associate, worked with Nimesh Dodiya, who advertised card-making services on online platforms. The fake cards were sold for Rs1,500–Rs 2,000 each, with Nimesh earning Rs 1,000 per card.
Nimesh utilised WhatsApp and Telegram groups to connect with accomplices across Gujarat and other states.
Sharing the specifics, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal said, “The group altered the source code of the Ayushman Bharat portal to generate between 1,200 and 1,500 fake health cards.”
Enser Communication Pvt Ltd, the company holding the government contract for Ayushman Bharat card production, was also involved.
Nikhil Parekh, an employee of the company, allegedly provided illegal login credentials to the accused, earning Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000 per month. These credentials were misused for unauthorised E-KYC approvals, facilitating the creation of fraudulent cards.
Key evidence recovered from the accused includes two computers containing patient records and angiography data, 1,000 suspected Ayushman Bharat card-related IDs from Nimesh Dodiya’s laptop, videographic proof of the fraudulent card-making process and testimonies linking the accused to the crime.
According to police sources, individuals who were not qualified PM-JAY recipients were reportedly using bribes to obtain cards, which amounted to defrauding the Gujarat government as well as the Government of India.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Ajit Rajian contributed his extensive expertise in cybercrime to the investigation.
It is to be noted that Kartik Patel, owner of Khyati Group, is too involved in this massive scam. Currently, he is evading arrest and is out of the country.
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