Doctor in Pune switches teen’s samples and runs ‘Blood Cleaning’ scheme with Porsche.

Dr Ajay Tawade, the head of Sassoon Hospital’s Forensic Medical Department, has been arrested and is in judicial custody. It is alleged that he switched a minor’s blood samples with those of his mother to ensure that no alcohol was found in the final report. According to sources in the Pune Crime Branch, this was not an isolated incident.

Dr Tawade and his associates had a network of brokers spread across Pune and other districts in Maharashtra. They would offer to switch blood samples for high-profile cases involving drunk drivers in exchange for large sums of money, most often above Rs 5 lakh. The money would be funneled to Dr Tawade, with the brokers keeping a cut.

This illegal practice had reportedly been ongoing since Dr Tawade took over the forensic department nearly two years ago. Dr Tawade has faced serious allegations in the past, including involvement in drug cases and a kidney transplant racket. His appointment as the head of the forensic department was allegedly recommended by an MLA and a minister.

The dean of Sassoon Hospital had made a statement implicating the Maharashtra Medical Education Minister and an MLA from the NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction in recommending Dr Tawade for the position. Following his statement, the dean was sent on compulsory leave. The specific incident that led to Dr Tawade’s arrest involved a 17-year-old who had been drinking at two pubs in Pune and then drove a Porsche at high speed, resulting in the death of two IT professionals.

The teenager was not of legal age to drive or drink. There are also allegations that the MLA visited the police station after the accident and pressured officials to go easy on the case. These allegations raise serious concerns about the integrity of the forensic department at Sassoon Hospital and the involvement of high-ranking officials in influencing appointments and interfering with criminal cases.