Ward boy posing as doctor arrested after young woman’s death in Navi Mumbai

In a shocking case of medical impersonation, Navi Mumbai police have arrested a ward boy who allegedly posed as a doctor and administered injections to a 21-year-old woman, leading to her death in Sector 11 of Vashi.

Accused posed as doctor, offered treatment at home

The victim has been identified as Prachiti Bhikuram Bhuvad. According to police officials from Vashi police station, the incident took place on February 5 after the woman’s family contacted the accused, Sandesh Yashwant Pashte, seeking medical advice.

Police said Pashte introduced himself as a doctor and examined Prachiti at her residence after she complained of irregular menstrual cycles. He allegedly informed the family that she was suffering from Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) and proposed a treatment plan involving five injections, charging ₹15,000 for the course.

Condition worsened after injections

On February 5, Pashte reportedly visited the woman’s home and administered two injections. Soon after, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she lost consciousness. Police said the accused appeared panicked and allegedly asked the woman’s father to dispose of a bag containing used syringes and medical waste.

Family members immediately rushed Prachiti to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her dead nearly two hours later.

Accused confessed he was not a doctor

Police said that when confronted by the family, Pashte admitted he was not a qualified doctor. He later confessed to being a ward boy employed at a private nursing home in Andheri and stated that he did not possess any recognised medical qualification or certificate.

Following a complaint by the family, the police arrested the accused on February 6.

Case registered, probe underway

Pashte has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, cheating by personation, and other relevant offences. Police said investigations are underway to determine the nature of the injections administered and to check whether the accused had treated others in a similar manner.