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Raipur, Chhattisgarh:
A man accused of posing as a cardiologist, Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav-also known as N John Camm-has been brought to Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, from Damoh jail in Madhya Pradesh as part of an expanding investigation into the deaths of multiple patients, including former Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Rajendra Prasad Shukla in 2006.
Authorities allege that Yadav, who is currently in judicial custody, performed unauthorized cardiac surgeries at Mission Hospital in Damoh, leading to the deaths of at least seven patients. He was transferred to Bilaspur on a production warrant on Friday, where police have sought a three-day remand for further interrogation. Another complainant has also come forward, alleging that Yadav was responsible for his father’s death.
Serious Charges and Outrage
According to police, Yadav has no recognized degree in cardiology and was never registered with the Chhattisgarh Medical Council, making him ineligible to perform procedures such as angioplasty. An FIR has been registered against both Yadav and the management of Apollo Hospital, Bilaspur, under charges including culpable homicide and cheating.
Senior Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh described the case as “not just one of medical negligence, but a heinous criminal act.” He stated that Yadav’s medical credentials are “unverifiable,” with no record found of his registration with either the Indian Medical Council or the Chhattisgarh Medical Council. The investigation now includes all patients treated by Yadav at the Bilaspur hospital.
High-Profile Victims and Expanding Investigation
The scandal, which first erupted in Madhya Pradesh, has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh. Dr. Pradeep Shukla, son of the late Speaker Rajendra Prasad Shukla, recently filed a formal complaint. According to Dr. Shukla, his father was admitted to Apollo Hospital, Bilaspur, in August 2006 with breathing difficulties. After undergoing angiography and angioplasty performed by Yadav, the former Speaker’s condition deteriorated, and he died 18 days later.
Another family has also alleged that their relative, Bhagat Ram Dodeja, died under Yadav’s care, adding to the growing list of cases under investigation.
Hospital Under Scrutiny
The Bilaspur Chief Medical and Health Officer has issued a notice to Apollo Hospital, demanding clarification on Yadav’s employment, patient records, qualifications, and any prior complaints. The hospital has been given three days to provide all relevant documentation.
Public Reaction and Political Response
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Chhattisgarh. The district Congress committee organized a ‘Health Justice March’ on Friday, led by PCC chief Deepak Baij, Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant, and former Deputy CM T S Singh Deo.
Yadav, meanwhile, maintains his innocence, claiming he is the victim of a conspiracy and asserting that his degrees are genuine.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police and health authorities vowing to pursue all leads and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by ET HealthWorld and other publicly available sources as of May 2025. The investigation is ongoing, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For the latest updates and official statements, please refer to local authorities and verified news outlets.
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