Kanpur, May 16 – A major medical scam has come to light in Kanpur after two engineers died following hair transplant procedures conducted at an unauthorized clinic operated by a woman falsely claiming to be a senior dermatologist.
The accused, identified as Anushka Tiwari, was performing hair transplant surgeries at a clinic located in Keshav Nagar, Kanpur, despite not holding an MBBS degree or any formal qualification in dermatology or surgery.
According to the police, Anushka Tiwari has a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree. Despite this, she presented herself as a senior dermatologist and hair transplant specialist, attracting clients through online platforms and local promotion. Her clinic lacked certified medical staff, trained surgical assistants, or basic safety protocols.
Her husband, Dr. Saurabh Tiwari, also holds an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) degree. He was actively involved in the operations of the clinic, although he too is not authorized to perform such surgeries under Indian medical regulations.
The matter came to light after two young engineers reportedly died shortly after undergoing hair transplant procedures at the clinic. Both victims experienced serious post-operative complications. One of them died on the spot, while the other passed away later during treatment.
Following the deaths, local authorities launched an investigation, and a police team raided the clinic. The clinic was found to be unregistered, and no valid medical licenses or documents were presented. There were no trained doctors, anesthetists, or post-operative care systems in place.
After the incident was reported and complaints were filed, Anushka Tiwari and her husband absconded. Police confirmed that they fled from Kanpur and have since remained untraceable. Multiple teams have been formed to locate the couple and arrest them.
A FIR has been registered against both under serious charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, cheating, impersonation, and violation of medical laws. The case has been forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh Medical Council, and further legal action is expected.
Public Threat
Health officials and experts have raised alarm over the increasing number of unqualified individuals operating cosmetic and surgical clinics without regulation. Medical professionals have stressed that hair transplant is a surgical procedure, and performing it without medical training can be fatal.
“This is not just fraud — it’s criminal negligence,” said one senior doctor from LLR Hospital, Kanpur. “No one without an MBBS degree and specialized surgical training is allowed to touch a scalpel, let alone perform a hair transplant.”
Action by Authorities
The clinic has been sealed, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and digital records to identify previous patients who may have been at risk. The health department has also been directed to conduct surprise inspections at other cosmetic clinics across the city.
Police have appealed to the public to remain cautious and verify medical qualifications before undergoing any procedures. They have urged other victims who may have been treated at the clinic to come forward.
Shreya Gandhi is a writer at MedicoDrive.com with a Master’s in English from Mumbai. She covers medicolegal cases, NMC/DCI updates, medical education, and health news from India and around the world. Passionate about journalism, she brings clarity to complex medical topics.