Absconder posing as 'doctor' nabbed after 20 years

In a case that appears straight out of a spy thriller, the CBI has arrested an absconding appriser of the Customs department, who was masquerading as a doctor for the last 20 years.

The accused, Abhinav Singh, was posing as Dr Rajeev Gupta.

According to the CBI, the accused has caused loss to the Customs department.

The accused was absconding for about 20 years and was declared a proclaimed offender by the court.

He was declared wanted based on a complaint filed by New Customs House, Mumbai, on September 29, 1999.

It was alleged that, while working as Appraiser, Customs Department, Mumbai, he had abused his official position and dishonestly confirmed fake DEPB Scrips (Duty Entitlement Pass Book) as genuine. These were submitted by other accused companies and persons.

The fraudulent acts of this Appraiser and other accused caused loss to the Customs Department to the tune of Rs 4,00,72,496/- by way of Customs duty on goods imported. It was also alleged that the accused Appraiser had received Rs 5 lakh and a Maruti Zen car from other accused (private person/companies during 1998-99).

"The accused did not join the investigation and was absconding. He was removed from the service," CBI officials said.

Fake doctor

Thereafter, he changed his identity with the help of fake and forged degrees and started working as a doctor in medical colleges and hospitals.

He was arrested by CBI, based on intelligence inputs, while he was impersonating as a doctor and reportedly working as Associate Professor with a Medical College in Akbarpur, Chhata, Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.

He is being brought to Mumbai under transit remand.