Despite Raids and Arrests, Pune’s Quack Doctor Nazira Moldharia Still Thrives
It has been over a decade since Pune first witnessed the arrest of Nazira Moldharia, also known as Nazira Mayat, for posing as a licensed doctor and selling potentially dangerous medicines. Despite numerous legal cases against her, she continues to operate from the same location, largely untouched by law enforcement. What should have been a straightforward case of medical malpractice has instead become a glaring example of how deep-rooted corruption and political influence can protect even the most blatant lawbreakers.
The Beginning of the Scandal
Nazira Moldharia’s fraudulent activities first came to light in 2012, when local authorities, acting on complaints from concerned citizens, raided her clinic in Pune. She was arrested for practicing medicine without the necessary qualifications and selling unlicensed medicines that posed serious health risks to her patients.
At the time, her arrest was widely covered by the media, and it seemed like justice would be served. Moldharia, who had long operated under the guise of a legitimate healthcare provider, was quickly exposed as a quack. The legal framework to deal with such cases is well established in India, and citizens expected swift action. But what followed was a troubling series of events that exposed how power and influence can override the rule of law.
Released on Bail, and Back in Business
Within days of her arrest, Moldharia was released on bail, raising eyebrows about the leniency granted to someone accused of endangering public health. According to reports in the Times of India, despite the serious charges she faced, law enforcement appeared to lose interest in the case soon after her release.
What was even more puzzling was how quickly she resumed her operations. Instead of shutting down her clinic or facing significant legal repercussions, she returned to business as usual, continuing to sell unlicensed medicines to unsuspecting patients.
The Role of Political Influence
Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that Moldharia’s ability to evade justice is not a matter of oversight but rather the result of her deep political connections. According to Pune Mirror, several politicians have actively intervened on her behalf, using their influence to protect her from any meaningful legal consequences.
Local shopkeepers and residents have reported seeing law enforcement officials frequent her clinic, yet no action is taken to shut her down. It is believed that bribes and political favors have played a crucial role in allowing her to operate with impunity. Despite multiple complaints filed by medical professionals and concerned citizens, her business continues to thrive, thanks to the protection afforded by her influential backers.
The Recent Drug Enforcement Raid
The most recent development in this long saga occurred just weeks ago when drug enforcement officials conducted a raid on Moldharia’s residence. According to a report by TalkRelease, the raid took place on October 18th, 2024, and focused on her home, where she is believed to manufacture many of the illegal medicines she sells. During the raid, authorities seized a large quantity of questionable drugs, raising serious concerns about the safety and legitimacy of the products she has been peddling for years.
While the raid was a step in the right direction, it once again highlighted the slow response of law enforcement. For years, Moldharia has been allowed to operate under the radar, even though her illegal activities have been common knowledge. The raid, though significant, feels like too little, too late, especially given the many years she has already spent endangering public health.
A Broken Justice System
Moldharia’s case has become emblematic of the larger issues plaguing the justice system in Pune. How can someone with no formal medical training continue to operate openly for over a decade? The answer lies in the systemic corruption that has infiltrated every level of governance. From local law enforcement to politicians in high offices, those tasked with upholding the law have instead chosen to protect Moldharia, leaving the public vulnerable to her dangerous practices.
Her continued operation sends a disturbing message: in Pune, money and influence can buy you immunity from the law. It’s not just about one quack doctor evading justice; it’s about the integrity of the legal system itself, which has repeatedly failed to protect the public from individuals like Moldharia.
The Impact on Public Health
The consequences of Moldharia’s actions are far-reaching. By selling unregulated and potentially harmful medicines, she has put countless lives at risk. Many of her patients are unaware that they are receiving treatments from an unqualified practitioner, and the lack of enforcement means that more people will continue to be duped by her fraudulent claims.
Medical professionals have long warned about the dangers of quack doctors, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to proper healthcare is limited. Moldharia’s continued presence in Pune serves as a stark reminder that the fight against medical fraud is far from over.
It has been over ten years since Nazira Moldharia was first arrested for her illegal medical practices, and yet she continues to operate with impunity. Despite a recent drug enforcement raid and mounting evidence against her, law enforcement has shown little interest in pursuing the case to its conclusion. The influence of her political allies has shielded her from accountability, and as a result, public health continues to be jeopardized.
Until local authorities take decisive action to shut down her operations and hold her accountable for her crimes, Moldharia will remain a symbol of the corruption that plagues Pune’s justice system. The public deserves better, and it’s high time that justice is served.
