Pune’s Quack Doctor Nazira Moldharia Still Thrives Despite Raids Arrests
When Pune police raided a clinic run by a bogus doctor named Nazira Moldharia, based on a complaint filed by a practising medical doctor, it seemed like justice was about to be done. But a few days later, she was back to her business of endangering patients with her ill-prescribed medicines.
Despite Raids And Arrests
When local authorities first arrested Nazira Moldharia for posing as a doctor and selling unregulated herbal medicines that put patients’ health at risk, it seemed like an open-and-shut case. The legal framework for dealing with this type of criminal activity is well established, so citizens expected that once the crook was arrested, she would be forced to close up shop and face significant legal repercussions. But despite the numerous complaints that have been filed against her, Moldharia remains in business and continues to operate with impunity. The police raided her clinic after a complaint was filed by Maharashtra Andhashrdhha Nirmulan Samiti and found that she was using illegal methods to diagnose and treat patients. But even after her arrest, she continued to sell and prescribe medicines without a license, and it is likely that most of her customers are unaware that they are getting treatments from an unlicensed practitioner.
Her continual operation reveals that corruption permeates the city’s justice system, allowing powerful individuals to escape punishment for their crimes. It also shows the failure of those in charge of upholding the law, including the police and the mayor, to take decisive action against criminals and ensure that the public is protected from dangerous individuals. It is not just the Pune city government that has a problem with corruption and failure to uphold the law, but the national government as well. Since the BJP-led government came to power in 2014, it has systematically used draconian counterterrorism and other laws to attack its critics, including independent journalists, human rights activists, and community leaders. The government has used these laws to detain and silence critics by imposing bogus charges of terrorism, foreign funding, and income tax violations.
In addition to using these laws against their critics, the BJP-led government has been accused of targeting journalists by conducting a series of raids on their homes and offices in 2021 and 2022. In addition to NewsClick, the home of journalist and activist Harsh Mander was raided in retaliation for her work on the 2002 anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat state. The raids against NewsClick were a serious violation of journalists’ right to freedom of expression. The seizures of journalists’ electronic devices were unwarranted, and lacked the required forensic auditing. Moreover, the raids were conducted in violation of due process and other international safeguards, including the principle of impartiality and the presumption of innocence. The reopening of the investigation into the raids highlights the need to strengthen the protections provided for journalists and civil society in India.
Moldharia’s Operation Sends A Disturbing Message
A renowned quack doctor in Pune is still operating after a police team raided her clinic on Sunday, and she is yet to be arrested. The raid was carried out based on a complaint by a medical practitioner against Nazira Moldharia, who is from Gujarat and claims to cure diabetes with her herbal medicines. The Vishrambaug police station has now filed a case against her under the relevant sections of Maharashtra Medical Practitioner Act, 1961. The case highlights the continuing problem of corruption that is rampant in India, even in small towns and cities. It shows how local law enforcement and politicians can collude to protect blatant law breakers.
It is widely believed that the raids were conducted to target those who have been critical of the government and PM Narendra Modi’s rule. However, the activists vehemently deny any involvement in Maoist activities. Some have even questioned the authenticity of the charges against them, claiming that they were targeted because of their work with Dalits and Adivasis.
