Kolkata Police arrest three for selling fake OPD tickets at SSKM Hospital
Synopsis
Three men were arrested in Kolkata for running a counterfeit OPD ticket racket at the state-run SSKM Hospital, exploiting long queues to sell forged tickets at inflated prices. Police used CCTV analysis to identify the accused and say the probe has widened to examine possible broader corruption at government hospitals.
Key Takeaways
Kolkata Police arrested three individuals — Asad Ali , Mohammad Shahid , and Vihid Ahmed — on 24 September 2026 .
The accused allegedly sold counterfeit OPD tickets at SSKM Hospital , south Kolkata, at prices above the prescribed fee.
CCTV footage from hospital premises and nearby areas was key to identifying and arresting the suspects.
The Kolkata Police Intelligence Department is probing the racket's full duration and whether more individuals were involved.
Authorities are also examining allegations of broader corruption and touting activities at government hospitals in the city.
Kolkata Police on Thursday, 24 September 2026, arrested three individuals for allegedly running a counterfeit Outpatient Department (OPD) ticket racket at the state-run SSKM Hospital in south Kolkata. The accused reportedly exploited long queues at the hospital's ticketing counters to sell forged tickets to patients' families at inflated prices.
Who Was Arrested
The three persons taken into custody have been identified as Asad Ali, Mohammad Shahid, and Vihid Ahmed, according to police. All three are currently under interrogation by the Bhowanipur police station, which led the investigation after complaints were filed by hospital authorities.
How the Racket Operated
According to an officer from the Kolkata Police Intelligence Department, the trio allegedly produced forged OPD tickets that closely resembled genuine ones issued by the hospital. They then stationed themselves near the hospital premises, targeting relatives of patients waiting in long OPD queues. The accused allegedly promised quicker access to the department in exchange for fees exceeding the prescribed official rate.
Notably, complaints about irregularities in OPD ticket issuance at SSKM Hospital had reportedly been surfacing for some time before the arrests, suggesting the racket may have been in operation for an extended period. Investigators are now probing the full duration of the scheme and whether additional individuals were involved.
Role of CCTV in the Crackdown
Investigators scrutinised CCTV footage from inside the hospital premises and surrounding areas to track the suspects' movements. Analysis of footage from multiple cameras proved critical in identifying and locating the accused before their arrest, police said.
Broader Probe Under Way
The Kolkata Police Intelligence Department officer confirmed that the investigation has widened beyond the three arrested. 'We are interrogating the three accused arrested in this SSKM incident to find out their modus operandi in making fake OPD tickets,' the officer said. Authorities are additionally examining allegations of broader irregularities, corruption, and touting activities across government hospitals in the city — a sign that this case could have implications well beyond a single racket at one facility.
This is not an isolated concern: touting and queue-jumping scams at large public hospitals have long been reported in major Indian cities, placing additional burden on economically vulnerable patients who can least afford inflated charges. The outcome of this probe may determine whether systemic reforms are pursued at SSKM and similar state-run facilities.
Point of View
The underlying conditions — long queues, opaque ticketing, minimal security at counters — remain unchanged and the racket will simply resurface with new faces.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the SSKM Hospital fake OPD ticket case?
Kolkata Police arrested three individuals identified as Asad Ali, Mohammad Shahid, and Vihid Ahmed on 24 September 2026 for allegedly selling counterfeit OPD tickets at SSKM Hospital in south Kolkata.
How did the fake OPD ticket racket at SSKM Hospital work?
The accused allegedly produced forged OPD tickets resembling genuine ones and sold them to patients' relatives near the hospital, promising quicker access to the department in exchange for fees higher than the official prescribed rate.
How did Kolkata Police identify and catch the accused?
Investigators analysed CCTV footage from inside SSKM Hospital and surrounding areas. Footage from multiple cameras helped identify the suspects' movements, leading to their arrest.
Is the investigation limited to these three individuals?
No. The Kolkata Police Intelligence Department has stated it is probing the full duration of the racket and whether more individuals were involved. Authorities are also examining broader allegations of corruption and touting at government hospitals in Kolkata.
Why are fake OPD ticket scams common at public hospitals?
Large state-run hospitals like SSKM often see very high patient footfall, resulting in long queues at ticketing counters. Touts exploit this by offering forged tickets as a shortcut, targeting economically vulnerable patients and their families who are desperate for quicker access to care.
