The Chatushrungi police in Pune have taken decisive action by registering a formal case against an alleged quack doctor, who claimed to be from Surat in Gujarat. The individual stands accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that targeted a senior citizen residing in the Aundh area, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 3 lakh. The case has been filed under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to cheating, highlighting the serious nature of the offense.
Details of the Deceptive Encounter
According to police officials, the incident unfolded on January 13 when the complainant, an elderly man, and his wife were visiting a mall located on Senapati Bapat Road. During their outing, an unknown man approached the senior citizen and inquired about his noticeable limp. Seizing the opportunity, the stranger fabricated a story, claiming that a medical practitioner from Surat had successfully treated his own father for a similar leg issue.
Elaborate Setup and False Promises
The stranger further misled the victim by stating that this so-called medical practitioner regularly visits Pune on the 15th and 16th of each month. He provided the victim with a cellphone number, which the elderly man used to make contact on January 14. During the call, an individual posing as the practitioner's assistant assured the victim that they would visit his residence on January 15 to commence the treatment.
Bogus Treatment and Exorbitant Demands
True to their word, the alleged medical practitioner and his assistant arrived at the victim's home as promised. Under the guise of providing medical care, the accused performed a series of superficial cuts near the victim's thigh. They then pretended to extract a mysterious 'white-coloured' liquid from his body, claiming it was the source of his pain. Initially, the quack quoted a fee of Rs 7,000 for a single session of this fraudulent treatment.
However, the situation escalated rapidly when, within just one hour, the accused declared that they had successfully removed the liquid from the victim's entire body. Following this announcement, they presented an outrageous bill of Rs 9.45 lakh, demanding immediate payment for their so-called services.
Threats and Financial Coercion
Faced with such an exorbitant demand, the senior citizen rightfully refused to pay the inflated amount. When he questioned the accused about their medical qualifications and legitimacy, the situation turned hostile. The quack resorted to intimidation tactics, threatening the victim and forcibly extracting Rs 3 lakh through an online transaction.
Police Intervention and Legal Action
The victim's ordeal did not end with the initial payment, as the accused continued to harass him for the remaining balance. It was only after enduring persistent threats that the senior citizen mustered the courage to approach the Chatushrungi police station and file a formal complaint. The police have since registered the case and are actively investigating the matter to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by senior citizens and the importance of verifying medical credentials before undergoing any treatment. The Pune police urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar frauds in the future.
