ECHS Card Fraud Racket Uncovered: Four Arrested in Fake Medical Treatment Scam

Authorities have dismantled a sophisticated fraud network that exploited the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) by using forged identities to secure medical treatment. Four individuals have been arrested, while one suspect remains on the run.

The accused—Danish Khan, Shikha Singh, Yash Singh, and Jitendra Yadav—were taken into custody after investigators uncovered evidence of a two-year-long operation involving forged documents and identity misuse. Another आरोपी, Pradeep, is currently being traced.

Two-Year Fraud Targeting Vulnerable Patients

Investigators revealed that the group had been active for nearly two years, targeting economically disadvantaged patients unable to afford expensive treatments. Victims were promised affordable or free healthcare but were instead admitted to hospitals under false identities using stolen or forged ECHS and Aadhaar credentials.

The accused allegedly charged significant fees while bypassing legitimate medical billing processes, turning the scheme into a profitable illegal enterprise.

Death Case Triggers Investigation

The racket came to light after the death of a woman exposed serious irregularities. A patient from Ghaziabad was admitted to a hospital using the identity of another woman from Aligarh. Medical treatment worth approximately ₹6.5 lakh was conducted under the false identity.

After the patient’s death in August 2025, the accused allegedly continued the deception by obtaining a death certificate under the fake name and claiming the body using forged documents. This raised suspicions, prompting a deeper investigation that ultimately uncovered the wider network.

Modus Operandi and Network Structure

Police investigations indicate that the fraud operation followed a structured approach. Vulnerable patients were identified and persuaded to use fake identities for treatment. Forged ECHS and Aadhaar details were shared digitally and used to secure hospital admissions.

Financial transactions were carried out through a mix of online payments and cash, with patients paying a fraction of the actual treatment cost while the gang profited from the system.

Authorities are also examining possible internal collusion within certain hospitals, where identity verification procedures may have been deliberately overlooked.

Masterminds and Criminal Background

Preliminary findings suggest that Danish Khan and Pradeep were key figures behind the racket, responsible for arranging forged documents and coordinating operations. Both are reported to have prior involvement in similar criminal activities.

Law enforcement agencies are now working to identify additional victims and institutions linked to the scam. Officials believe the case may be part of a larger organized medical fraud network.

Investigation Ongoing

Interrogations of the arrested suspects are underway, and efforts to locate the absconding आरोपी continue. Authorities have also seized digital devices containing critical evidence that could lead to further arrests.

Officials have warned healthcare providers to strengthen identity verification processes to prevent similar frauds in the future.