A 32-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar has fallen victim to an alleged medical fraud, losing over Rs 31 lakh to a group of seven individuals, including her family doctor. The accused reportedly exploited her distress to promise a kidney transplant for her ailing husband, but no procedure was ever performed.
Victim’s Ordeal
The complainant, Dipali Chavan, a resident of Chinchpada area, had already donated one of her kidneys to her husband Anand Chavan following his kidney failure. However, complications and infection after the transplant left him fighting for his life once again. Instead of offering medical support, the family doctor, identified as Gaurav Dharma Nair, allegedly took advantage of the family's dire situation.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to police, Dr. Nair promised to arrange another donor and facilitate a transplant. He introduced the couple to a group of people, including Iqbal Khan, Mosami Biswas, and Jaydev Biswas. Between July 2, 2025, and March 7, 2026, the accused collected Rs 31.67 lakh from the victim through cash and online payments, claiming the money was needed for arranging a donor and conducting surgery. Despite the payments, no donor was arranged, and no transplant took place.
Police Action
Realizing she had been cheated, Chavan approached the Vitthalwadi police. Senior police inspector Ashok Koli confirmed that a case of cheating has been registered against seven individuals, including the doctor. Deputy commissioner of police Sachin Gore stated that an offense has been registered based on the complaint and appropriate action will follow the investigation. Police suspect the involvement of a larger kidney racket and are investigating whether more victims were similarly duped.
Doctor’s Defense
The accused doctor denied direct involvement in the alleged fraud, claiming that Chavan was his patient and he only introduced her to Iqbal Khan, who assured assistance in arranging a donor. He alleged that when the promised transplant did not materialize despite payments, he himself advised the victim to approach the police. He added that he has been named as an accused merely because he facilitated the introduction.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are now probing financial transactions and possible interstate links, with leads reportedly extending to Odisha. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the scam and any organized racket behind it.
