Mumbai : Doctor arrested for Rs 30 bribe demand from farmer

MUMBAI: An MBBS doctor, posted as a class I officer at a health centre in Sangli, was arrested on Friday for demanding a Rs30 bribe from a farmer for treatment. Anti-corruption bureau (ACB), which arrested Dr Nitin Chewte, said treatment at the centre was free but he would charge villagers, mostly farmers.

Rajendra Salunkhe, deputy superintendent of police, ACB (Sangli divsion), said they received a complaint on Thursday against Dr Chewte. Primary health centres in rural areas are developed by the state government to provide free medical treatment to villagers. Around 50 patients visit the centre in Islampur, Wadva taluka, said Salunkhe. The complainant had fever and visited the centre last week, when Dr Chewte charged Rs 30 for medicines.

Chewte would charge Rs 100 for administering saline to patients too. Police found he has been charging all patients and ACB may carry out a search of his residence.