A bizarre incident unfolded at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in central Delhi when a 24-year-old man, claiming to be a NEET aspirant, was apprehended for allegedly impersonating a doctor. Identified as Ashutosh Tripathi, a resident of Burari, the individual was found wandering inside the hospital premises adorned in a stethoscope and doctor’s apron, raising concerns among hospital staff. The situation came to a head when he was discovered in the emergency department on Tuesday, prompting hospital authorities to alert the police.
Upon receiving the report, law enforcement officers swiftly intervened and detained the imposter. An FIR under section 170 (impersonating a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code was promptly registered at the North Avenue police station, following a complaint lodged by senior resident Rahul Dhamija from the department of surgery.
Tripathi’s bewildering actions continued even during police interrogation. Initially, he claimed that he had been summoned by a friend to rendezvous at the hospital, although no such acquaintance materialized. Moreover, his assertions regarding his profession, occupation, and the supposed companion accompanying him were all debunked upon investigation.
Authorities suspect foul play, with indications pointing towards the individual’s ulterior motive of theft. Despite his penchant for masquerading as a doctor, Tripathi failed to account for the origin of the doctor’s apparel and medical paraphernalia he was found with, further casting doubt on his intentions.
During questioning by hospital personnel, Tripathi initially asserted his status as a qualified doctor before subsequently modifying his statement to identify himself as a medical student. Ultimately, he disclosed that he was diligently preparing for the NEET entrance examination, having appeared for the test the previous year without success.
The incident has left authorities and hospital staff perplexed, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. While the individual’s true intentions remain shrouded in ambiguity, the swift action taken by hospital authorities and law enforcement serves as a testament to their commitment to safeguarding public safety and maintaining the integrity of healthcare institutions.
