Days after two beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) died following angioplasty at Khyati Multispeciality Hospital in Ahmedabad, the city Crime Branch is now going to take over the case and investigate further.
The decision to transfer the case to the Crime Branch is to thoroughly investigate and arrest the key accused.
Addressing the press conference on Monday, city police Commissioner GS Malik said, “I ordered the transfer of the Khyati Hospital case today. The local police have arrested Dr Prashant Vazirani based on strong evidence against him. Many strong sections such as culpable homicide (not amounting to murder), forgery and cheating are included in this.”
A lookout notice will be issued for the accused linked to the case, who is currently absconding.
“Some accused are still at large. We have transferred the case to the city Crime Branch for proper investigation. If the accused individuals do not comply with the investigation, then a ‘Red Corner’ notice will be issued,” Malik asserted.
On November 11, two patients, identified as Nagar Senma and Mahesh Barot, died following angioplasty procedures at Khyati Group owned-hospital.
Both patients, residents of Borisana village in Mehsana’s Kadi taluka, reportedly succumbed to severe cardiac arrest. Post-mortem reports confirmed cardiac arrest as the sole cause of death, with no physical injuries observed. Viscera samples have been sent for forensic analysis.
Doctor Arrested in Case
Dr Vazirani, a cardiologist associated with the hospital, has been arrested and placed under seven-day remand. Following his arrest, he was transferred to the Crime Branch.
Investigations revealed that Dr Vazirani performed 7,000 surgeries over four years, including 221 angiographies and angioplasties within 42 days. In October, he conducted 166 procedures, followed by 55 in November. These were billed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
On the day of the incident, Dr Vazirani reportedly performed seven angioplasties and 19 angiographies. He, along with hospital director Kartik Patel, CEO Chirag Rajput and promoters Dr Sanjay Patolia and Dr Rajshree Kothari, have been charged with culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy. Three FIRs have been registered against them.
Reportedly, Kartik Patel is holidaying in Australia and there is uncertainty about his return.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme, Dr Vazirani was receiving Rs 1,500 per angioplasty and Rs 800 per angiography.
Probe Findings
A seven-member committee investigating the case found no evidence of prior heart conditions in the patients treated on the day of the deaths. The committee’s findings led to the filing of an FIR at Vastrapur police station.
Searches have been conducted at Dr Vazirani’s residence and offices. Law enforcement authorities have sought the appointment of an expert cardiologist to assist in understanding the medical details of the case.
Investigators are also reviewing records submitted under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to identify irregularities in claims and procedures. A senior police official confirmed that all relevant data is being collected for further examination.
Also Read: Anand BJP Councilor Booked in Rape Case; Suspended from Party
