Software Engineer Falls Victim to Elaborate Medical Fraud
A software engineer from Bengaluru has become the victim of an elaborate medical fraud that cost him Rs 48 lakh and left him with serious kidney damage. The shocking case came to light when the techie filed a formal complaint with the Jnanabharathi police on Saturday, revealing how his search for treatment for sexual health problems turned into a financial and medical nightmare.
The Roadside Trap and Expensive 'Treatment'
The victim, originally from Shivamogga, was initially receiving treatment at a multi-speciality hospital in Kengeri when he noticed a tent near KLE Law College on May 3. The tent displayed a board promising quick relief for sexual problems, which caught his attention. Upon inquiry, he was introduced to a man calling himself Vijay Guruji, who claimed to offer authentic Ayurvedic solutions.
Vijay Guruji prescribed a medicine called Devaraj Booti, allegedly sourced specially from Haridwar and available exclusively at Vijayalakshmi Ayurvedic Shop in Yeshwanthpur. The medicine came with an astonishing price tag of Rs 1,60,000 per gram and strict conditions requiring cash payments only. Guruji warned that any deviation from his rules, including making online payments or bringing companions, would render the medicine ineffective.
Over several months, the fraudsters convinced the engineer to purchase additional expensive treatments:
- 15 grams of Bhavana Booti Oil at Rs 76,000 per gram
- 18 grams of Devaraj Booti powder
- 4 grams of Devaraj Rasabooti at Rs 2,60,000 per gram
Financial Ruin and Health Consequences
To finance these purchases totaling Rs 48 lakh, the software professional made desperate financial arrangements. He borrowed Rs 17 lakh from his wife and parents, took a loan of Rs 20 lakh from HDFC Bank, and borrowed Rs 10 lakh from a friend according to the FIR.
The expensive treatment not only failed to provide any relief but recent blood tests revealed the engineer had suffered kidney damage allegedly caused by consuming these medicines. Doctors confirmed his health had been severely compromised due to the fraudulent treatment.
When the victim expressed concerns about the ineffective treatment, Vijay Guruji responded with threats and intimidation. He insisted on prescribing additional expensive medicines, threatened worsening health conditions, warned that the techie's life would be in danger if he discontinued treatment, and harassed him daily with these threats.
Police Action and Investigation
The multinational company employee has filed a formal complaint against Vijay Guruji and the owners of Vijayalakshmi Ayurvedic Shop, alleging fraud, health endangerment, and exploitation through deceptive medical practices.
The police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections covering involuntary intoxication, criminal breach of trust, and cheating. Anita Haddannavar, DCP, Southwest, confirmed that the accused are currently on the run and police teams have been formed to apprehend them.
In a significant move, the DCP has directed police personnel to remove all roadside medical tents advertising such treatments to prevent similar frauds. This case highlights the dangers of seeking medical treatment from unverified sources and the importance of consulting legitimate healthcare providers.
