Hyderabad Doctor Defrauded of Rs 8 Crore in Sophisticated Scam
In a shocking case of financial fraud, a 68-year-old doctor from Hyderabad has been allegedly duped of a staggering Rs 8 crore by a con artist who promised him six prime plots in Gachibowli and a prestigious position as a director in the National Medical Commission (NMC). The Cyberabad Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation into this elaborate scam.
The Deceptive Promise and Initial Contact
According to police reports, the accused, identified as Chakka Surendra Kumar, posed as a senior bureaucrat working in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to gain the victim's trust. The doctor, a resident of Kondapur, was introduced to Kumar in July 2021 through a mutual acquaintance named Ajay. Kumar was presented as a high-ranking government official with significant influence.
The fraudulent couple—Kumar and his wife Latha, who was described as a prominent realtor with offices in Habsiguda and Nacharam—visited the doctor at his residence within a week of their initial meeting. They presented an enticing offer: six plots in the coveted Gachibowli area, each measuring 500 square yards and valued at Rs 50 lakh.
Forged Documents and Financial Transactions
To bolster their credibility, the accused showed the doctor forged land allotment letters that appeared to be issued by legitimate revenue authorities. Convinced by these documents, the victim began transferring substantial sums of money.
- Between July 17 and September 19, 2021, the doctor transferred Rs 4.45 crore through a series of cheques to bank accounts held by Kumar and his associates.
- An additional Rs 1.55 crore was collected for purported regularization and registration charges related to the land deals.
The NMC Director Position Scam
In late July 2021, Kumar escalated his deception by offering to secure the doctor's appointment as a director in the National Medical Commission—the statutory body responsible for regulating medical education, professionals, institutions, and research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
To facilitate this appointment, Kumar allegedly extracted another Rs 2 crore from the victim. He even sent a fabricated email on July 30, 2021, suggesting the doctor was under serious consideration for the prestigious position. The victim, desperate to believe the opportunity was genuine, borrowed significant amounts from relatives, friends, and even his son to meet these financial demands.
Suspicions Arise and Investigation Begins
The doctor's suspicions grew over several months as neither the NMC appointment materialized nor the land registrations proceeded. Kumar repeatedly postponed the registration dates, raising red flags. In December 2021, the victim visited Kumar's offices in Habsiguda and Nacharam, only to discover they had been vacated.
The confrontation turned dangerous when the doctor tracked down Kumar's addresses in Madanapalle, Guntur, Bengaluru, and Visakhapatnam with help from well-wishers. During a confrontation, Kumar allegedly refused to return the money, and his associates attempted to run the doctor over with a car in Nacharam. The victim narrowly escaped the attack.
After repeated failed attempts to secure a refund, the doctor formally approached the EOW police on March 23. Authorities have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 318(4) for cheating
- Section 316(2) for criminal breach of trust
- Section 338 for forgery of valuable security
- Section 336(3) for forgery for the purpose of cheating
- Section 340(2) for using forged documents as genuine
Ongoing Investigation and Criminal Background
An EOW official stated that preliminary information suggests the main accused has a prior criminal record. The investigation remains at a nascent stage, with authorities actively working to locate Kumar and his associates. The complexity of the scam, involving forged documents, multiple locations, and substantial financial transactions, presents significant challenges for investigators.
This case highlights the sophisticated methods employed by fraudsters targeting professionals with promises of lucrative real estate deals and prestigious government positions. Authorities urge citizens to exercise extreme caution when approached with such offers and to verify credentials through official channels before committing substantial funds.
