A software engineer from Bengaluru has become the victim of a massive financial fraud, losing a staggering ₹48 lakh to a fake Ayurvedic practitioner who promised him a permanent solution for sexual health issues. The victim, who later developed kidney complications, filed an official complaint with the Jnanabharathi police on Saturday.
The Beginning of the Nightmare
The unfortunate sequence of events began in 2023 when the engineer experienced sexual health problems shortly after his marriage. He initially sought medical help from a reputable multi-speciality hospital in Kengeri, located near Bengaluru. However, his quest for a quick fix led him down a dangerous path.
On May 3, the victim noticed a temporary roadside setup near KLE Law College that advertised itself as an 'Ayurvedic Dawakhana'. The establishment prominently displayed promises of rapid cures for sexual health concerns, catching the attention of the desperate engineer.
The Elaborate Deception Unfolds
Inside the makeshift clinic, a man identifying himself as 'Vijay Guruji' confidently assured the software engineer of a permanent solution using what he described as rare Ayurvedic medicines. The so-called practitioner displayed remarkable convincing power, building trust with his professional demeanor and promises of guaranteed results.
The fraudster then directed the victim to purchase a product called 'Devaraj Booti' from Vijayalakshmi Ayurvedic Store in Yeshwantpur. He claimed this substance originated from Haridwar and came with an exorbitant price tag of ₹1.6 lakh per gram. The practitioner gave specific instructions that raised red flags – he told the engineer to come alone for the purchase and insisted on cash payments only.
Financial Ruin and Health Complications
Trusting the practitioner's claims completely, the techie purchased the initial medicine. Soon after, he was persuaded to buy another mixture labeled 'Bhavana Booti Taila', priced at ₹76,000 per gram. The financial demands quickly escalated beyond his means.
To fund these expensive purchases, the victim borrowed ₹17 lakh from his wife and parents, convincing them of the treatment's necessity. The deception deepened when 'Vijay Guruji' pressured him to acquire additional quantities of 'Devaraj Booti', warning that the entire treatment would fail without these further purchases.
Driven by fear and false promises, the engineer took out a substantial bank loan of ₹20 lakh to buy more of the supposed miracle cure. In total, he spent an unbelievable ₹48 lakh on these fraudulent treatments, with absolutely no improvement in his condition. To make matters worse, he developed kidney complications after consuming these unverified substances.
Public Reaction and Warning Signs
The incident has sparked widespread shock and disbelief across social media platforms. Bengaluru-based cardiologist Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy expressed astonishment, writing: "Spent 48 lakh! On that Dawakhana!!! He deserves to be duped."
Another social media user commented on the growing trend of educated individuals falling for such scams despite increased awareness. The user emphasized the importance of skepticism when encountering offers that seem too good to be true, whether encountered online or in physical establishments.
This case highlights several warning signs that should alert potential victims:
- Exorbitant pricing for supposedly herbal treatments
- Pressure tactics creating false urgency
- Requests for cash-only transactions
- Instructions to avoid bringing family members
- Promises of quick, guaranteed results for complex health issues
The Jnanabharathi police are currently investigating the matter and searching for the individual known as 'Vijay Guruji', who has disappeared along with the makeshift clinic. Authorities urge citizens to verify medical practitioners' credentials and consult only licensed healthcare providers for treatment.
