Puducherry Police Book Jipmer Doctor and Driver in Rs 25 Lakh Job Scam
In a significant development in Puducherry, the police have officially registered a case against a doctor from the prestigious Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer), his personal driver, and four other individuals. The charges stem from an alleged elaborate scam where they duped a woman of a staggering Rs 25 lakh under the false pretense of securing a job for her son at Jipmer.
Court Intervention Leads to Police Action
The case came to light only after the intervention of a local court, which directed the police to take action. Initially, the victim, V Valarmathi, aged 49 and residing in Jipmer quarters, had lodged a formal complaint with the D Nagar police station on March 28, 2023. However, the police failed to initiate any substantive investigation, compelling Valarmathi to seek judicial recourse. The court's order mandated the registration of a case and the commencement of thorough inquiries, highlighting lapses in the initial police response.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to police reports, the scam unfolded over several years, beginning in 2020. Valarmathi was introduced to S Kanniappan, the driver of Dr Gowtham Roy, a doctor employed at Jipmer. Kanniappan allegedly claimed that Dr Roy had the influence and connections to arrange a front office job for Valarmathi's son at the institute. He demanded a total of Rs 25 lakh for this placement.
Financial Transactions and Broken Promises
- Between 2020 and 2022, Valarmathi paid Rs 15 lakh in two separate instalments to Kanniappan, trusting the promise of employment for her son.
- Later, Kanniappan introduced her directly to Dr Gowtham Roy, who reinforced the job assurance.
- In 2023, they demanded the remaining balance of Rs 10 lakh to finalize the job placement. Valarmathi complied, paying the full amount.
Despite receiving the entire Rs 25 lakh, the accused failed to deliver on their promise. When Valarmathi confronted them, demanding either the return of her money or the promised job, they reportedly threatened her with dire consequences, adding intimidation to the financial fraud.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking employment in reputed institutions like Jipmer, where fraudulent promises can exploit desperate job seekers. The involvement of a medical professional and his associates raises serious concerns about ethical conduct and accountability within the healthcare and education sectors.
The Puducherry police are now actively investigating the matter, with charges filed against Dr Gowtham Roy, S Kanniappan, and four others. The court's directive ensures that the inquiry proceeds, aiming to bring justice to the victim and deter similar scams in the future. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against such job fraud schemes and report any suspicious activities promptly.
