In a shocking revelation, police in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, have exposed a widespread "autopsy mafia" operating within the district's healthcare system. This network, comprising doctors, pharmacists, and morgue staff, is accused of manipulating postmortem reports for financial gain, potentially shielding culprits and falsely implicating innocent individuals in criminal cases. The investigation has led to the arrest of four individuals and the sealing of at least 31 illegal health facilities across the district.
The modus operandi of this "autopsy mafia" involved altering or erasing crucial details in postmortem reports, often for a sum of Rs 50,000. This could include removing signs of struggle, changing the cause of death, or even making entire files disappear. Such manipulation has severe consequences, as courts rely heavily on these reports, especially in cases of hanging, strangulation, and custodial deaths. A false report can eliminate any chance for justice, particularly once the body is cremated.
The investigation gained momentum following the arrest of pharmacist Madhur Arya from the Bahjoi community health center in June 2025. Arya allegedly accepted Rs 50,000 to alter the autopsy report of a 19-year-old woman. Further investigation revealed incriminating evidence, including chats, scanned reports, voice notes, and payment records, linking the network to multiple cases. One such case involved the death of Suman, where the initial autopsy only cited hanging as the cause of death, despite police finding injuries across her body. The report was later discovered on the phone of Arya's accomplice, ward boy Yash Sharma, prompting a reopening of the case.
The case of Neksi Devi and her husband, Satvir Kumar, daily wage laborers, highlights the devastating impact of these manipulated reports. The couple was arrested in 2023 for the alleged murder of Santveer Singh based on an autopsy report citing strangulation. They maintained it was a suicide. Although a later medical board termed the cause "inconclusive," the couple had already spent nearly two years in jail and incurred a debt of Rs 10 lakh.
In response to these revelations, authorities are taking measures to prevent future tampering of autopsy reports. Sambhal has become the first district in Uttar Pradesh to upload digital copies of panchnamas, victim photos, and autopsy reports directly to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). This aims to ensure that evidence moves beyond local control, reducing the opportunity for manipulation. Additionally, all sensitive postmortems, especially those involving suspected murder, sexual assault, or custodial violence, are being reviewed by the State Medico-Legal Council.
Prior to uncovering the "autopsy mafia," authorities in Sambhal had been actively cracking down on illegal healthcare facilities. In April 2025, the health department closed 70 unregistered hospitals and clinics and filed FIRs against over 50 individuals operating these facilities. One instance involved sealing an "illegal" hospital operating inside Janeta Dargah after its staff failed to provide valid documentation.
These recent actions highlight a concerted effort to combat corruption and negligence within the healthcare system in Sambhal. By implementing digital tracking, reviewing sensitive cases, and cracking down on unqualified medical practitioners, authorities aim to restore trust in the system and ensure justice for all.
