Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): A man was arrested in Jabalpur for allegedly posing as a doctor, treating patients without a medical degree, and distributing religious booklets aimed at conversion, police said on Wednesday.
Following multiple complaints from local residents, a Health Department team raided Dashrath Prasad Bairagi’s small clinic in the Ranjhi police station area. Officials found him prescribing allopathic medicines despite lacking any recognized medical qualification. He was taken into custody on the spot.
Leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal alleged that Bairagi handed out religious pamphlets containing offensive remarks about Hindu deities. They accused him of using medical treatment as a cover to persuade patients to change their religion.
Additional Superintendent of Police Anand Kaladgi confirmed the arrest and said the clinic has been sealed. Authorities are examining the seized medicines and pamphlets. “We are investigating both the illegal medical practice and the conversion allegations,” he said.
VHP coordinator Sumit Singh Thakur demanded strict action, stating, “Treating patients without a license is dangerous in itself. Distributing insulting literature to convert them is even more serious. We want the strongest charges possible.”
Police are questioning Bairagi and assessing whether any patients were harmed by his treatment. The Health Department may file separate charges for illegal medical practice, while investigators continue gathering evidence related to the alleged conversion efforts.
The clinic remains closed, and residents are advised to seek treatment only from licensed medical professionals.
