Quack Arrested in Navi Mumbai After Woman Dies Following Alleged Negligent Injection
In a tragic incident highlighting the dangers of unqualified medical practitioners, Navi Mumbai police have arrested a quack after a 21-year-old woman suffering from a hormonal disorder died allegedly due to injections he administered. The arrest follows a complaint filed by the victim's father, leading to charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and cheating.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
The deceased, identified as Prachiti Bhuvad, a resident of Giridhar Niwas building in Vashi Sector 11, was suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). According to police reports, the accused, Sandesh Pashte (30), a resident of Mankhurd who works as a ward boy in a nursing home in Andheri, claimed to be a physician and offered home visits for treatment. The victim's father, Bhikuram Bhuvad, was convinced to seek Pashte's services after a recommendation from a niece, Priyanka Mahadik, who had previously recovered from a similar ailment under his care.
On February 5, Pashte visited Prachiti's residence and administered Emeset and Dynapar injections intravenously. Shortly after, her health deteriorated rapidly. Her father, accompanied by Pashte, rushed her to a private PKC hospital in Vashi, where she was declared 'brought dead on arrival'. Pashte had reportedly charged the family Rs 15,000 for the treatment, which was paid online. Following the incident, Bhikuram Bhuvad filed a formal complaint on February 6, leading to the registration of an FIR and Pashte's arrest. On Monday, he was remanded to police custody until February 10.
Investigation and Medical Findings
Senior Inspector Shashikant Chandekar of Vashi police station confirmed the arrest, emphasizing the seriousness of the case. Investigating officer API Yogesh Bhosale and a team visited Pashte's residence in Mankhurd and the Andheri nursing home to gather evidence, aiming to build a "water-tight case" against him. The police are treating this as a clear instance of medical negligence by an unqualified individual.
Dr. Prashant Jawade, medical superintendent at Vashi NMMC Hospital, provided insights into the medical aspects. He stated that the preliminary autopsy report, conducted after the woman's post-mortem examination, has reserved opinion on the exact cause of death. To confirm the cause, viscera samples have been preserved for histopathology and sent to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis. This step is crucial in cases of suspected medical negligence to establish the role of the administered injections in the fatality.
Background of the Accused and Victim
Sandesh Pashte, who holds only an HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) qualification, allegedly misrepresented himself as a physician in the locality, exploiting the trust of residents seeking medical help. His arrest underscores the risks posed by quacks operating without proper credentials, especially in urban areas where access to healthcare can be mixed with misinformation.
Prachiti Bhuvad lived with her father in Vashi, while her mother and brother reside in their native place in Mhasala, Raigad district. Bhikuram Bhuvad works at the office of a chartered accountant in Prabhadevi, adding a layer of personal tragedy as the family grapples with the loss. The case has sparked concerns about the need for stricter regulations and public awareness to prevent such incidents in the future.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure justice is served, with a focus on gathering all necessary evidence to support the charges against Pashte. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying medical practitioners' qualifications before seeking treatment.
