Fake Gynec Pulak Malakar: After Recruiting Dubious Doctor, Nari Sikshashram’s Press Release Spurs Controversy

As the investigation into the arrest of Pulak Malakar, an alleged fake gynaecologist practising in Silchar, intensifies, new statements from Dr. Rajdeep Roy, Secretary of Siva Sundari Nari Sikshashram & Ante-Natal Clinic, have added further layers to the developing case.

Dr. Rajdeep Roy, who serves as the Secretary of Siva Sundari Nari Sikshashram, addressed the media following Malakar’s arrest. He confirmed that Malakar had been associated with various hospitals in the Barak Valley since at least 2008. “If he worked as a health assistant, I believe there’s no legal issue with that. Everyone has the right to earn a living, although within the legal framework,” Dr Roy said.

He acknowledged that Malakar had been connected with the Nari Sikshashram for around a year to a year and a half and had introduced himself as a practising gynaecologist. Dr. Roy stated that the hospital had begun the process of verifying Malakar’s credentials shortly before his arrest. However, he admitted that Malakar may have seen patients in the Outpatient Department (OPD), although he used uncertain terms like “probably” and did not confirm the extent of Malakar’s involvement.

Dr. Roy stressed that people holding fake medical degrees must be exposed and brought to justice, emphasising that the responsibility to take action lies with both the central and state governments. “Ensuring the legitimacy of medical professionals must be a priority for the government. Public safety depends on it,” he said.

He also displayed a number of certificates submitted by Malakar, including a registration from the Odisha Council of Medical Registration, a degree from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, and a signed document from the now-defunct Medical Council of India. According to Dr. Roy, these documents appeared authentic at first glance, containing proper seals and official markings.

He pointed out a critical gap in regulation, saying that in India, there is no clear legal definition for the qualification of a “practising gynaecologist,” which creates ambiguity in such appointments.

Meanwhile, the Siva Sundari Nari Sikshashram & Ante-Natal Clinic issued a press release distancing the institution from Malakar. The statement clarified that Malakar was never formally appointed by the hospital, nor did he have the authority to admit patients or carry out independent medical procedures. It further stated that for the past one year and six months, he was assisting a few senior doctors, not operating in an official capacity.

The hospital acknowledged its limitations in verifying the authenticity of the documents submitted and assured full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation. As the probe deepens, the incident has sparked a broader conversation on medical accountability and the urgent need for stricter verification systems.

However, there appear to be some inconsistencies between the statement made by Dr Rajdeep Roy and the official press release issued by the hospital, which, by the way, also carries Dr Rajdeep Roy’s signature. While the press release firmly states that Pulak Malakar was never formally appointed as a doctor and only worked in an assisting capacity, Dr Roy admitted that Malakar had briefly seen patients in the OPD. Moreover, a banner reportedly displayed within the hospital premises lists “Dr Pulak Malakar” as a practising gynaecologist, available from Monday to Saturday at 12 PM on OPD, which contradicts the claim that he was never authorised to conduct check-ups.

A query to him asking if the image is fake or AI-generated did not incur a response.

The Police arrested Pulak Malakar after receiving confidential intelligence suggesting he was treating patients under a false identity. Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the MBBS certificate he used to claim medical qualification was forged. He had been posing as a licensed gynaecologist and allegedly handled pregnancies and even performed caesarean sections without any formal medical education.

Suppose all the certificates submitted by Pulak Malakar, including the one from the Medical Council of India, which, as per Dr. Rajdeep Roy, seemed authentic, are indeed forged. In that case, it raises a serious question: how did he manage to acquire such convincing documents? And more alarmingly, are there more such fake doctors operating across our Valley under the radar?