In a shocking case of medical impersonation and fraud, Gurgaon police have registered a formal complaint against an unidentified individual who allegedly posed as a doctor associated with the prestigious Medanta – The Medicity hospital in Sector 38. The accused promised a woman an exorbitant sum of Rs 3 crore in exchange for her kidney donation, subsequently cheating her of Rs 28,000 through deceptive registration fees.
How the Elaborate Organ Donation Scam Unfolded
The fraudulent scheme began when the victim encountered an advertisement on social media platforms promoting "exorbitant payments" for organ donations. The advertisement specifically mentioned compensation of Rs 3 crore for kidney donation and directed interested parties to a website created in the name of Medanta hospital.
Building Trust Through Forged Documents
When the woman contacted the accused through the fraudulent website, the impersonator identified themselves as Dr. Priya Santosh, claiming to be associated with Medanta hospital. To establish credibility and gain the victim's trust, the fraudster shared a forged identity card displaying an employee code, making the deception appear legitimate.
Initially, the fake doctor collected Rs 8,000 from the woman as "registration fees" for the supposed organ donation process. Later, the accused demanded an additional Rs 20,000, assuring the victim that the promised Rs 3 crore would soon be released into her bank account. This repeated demand for money raised the woman's suspicions about the authenticity of the arrangement.
Hospital Verification Exposes the Fraud
On January 14, the concerned woman contacted Medanta hospital directly via email to verify the details provided by the impersonator. The hospital promptly responded, confirming that no doctor by the name of Priya Santosh was employed at their facility. This revelation exposed the elaborate scam and prompted immediate action from hospital authorities.
Formal Police Complaint and Investigation
On Wednesday, following the hospital's verification, Medanta superintendent Dr. Sanjay Durani lodged a formal complaint with the Sadar Gurgaon police station. The police subsequently registered a case against the unidentified person for cheating, forgery, and impersonating a doctor from Medanta hospital.
The Station House Officer (SHO) of Sadar Gurgaon police station stated, "We received a complaint from the hospital authorities on Tuesday, after which a case of cheating and forgery was registered. An investigation is underway to nab the accused."
Hospital's Official Stance and Police Actions
A Medanta official clarified to media that the hospital does not engage in any such organ donation practices and reaffirmed that no doctor named Priya Santosh works at their facility. The hospital emphasized that they immediately alerted law enforcement upon learning about the impersonation attempt.
Police authorities are now investigating whether other potential victims might have been duped in a similar manner by the same fraudsters. The investigation team is examining digital footprints, financial transactions, and communication records to identify and apprehend the accused individual.
Broader Implications and Public Awareness
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of medical scams targeting vulnerable individuals seeking financial assistance through organ donation. Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when approached with offers that seem too good to be true, especially those involving substantial financial compensation for medical procedures.
Potential donors are advised to verify all medical professionals' credentials directly with recognized healthcare institutions before proceeding with any transactions or agreements. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence in medical matters and financial transactions involving healthcare services.
