A Nellore-based doctor has been duped of Rs. 56 lakh in alibi of constructing a hospital. The Delhi Police's Crime Branch has initiated a probe into a doctor's complaint who informed the police about his plan to establish a dental hospital in his hometown.

As per the doctor, a family friend promised to facilitate a government grant for a 100-bed multispecialty hospital. However, the friend insisted on a payment of Rs 60 lakh to government officials to secure the grant.

The doctor was unable to arrange the full amount. Then he was offered the option to pay in installments by the friend and his wife. The friend's wife said she had connections with several ministers, adding an air of legitimacy to the scheme. The doctor agreed to the proposed payment plan and paid his friend Rs 56 lakh.

According to TOI, an officer said that the doctor had paid Rs 56 lakh to the accused duo. During COVID-19, the doctor suffered a financial loss and even had to sell a piece of land that he had kept for his dental hospital. After waiting for years and finding that nothing was happening, the doctor asked his friend to return the money. But he refused, and the doctor then approached the police.

The fraudulent scheme highlights the vulnerability of individuals seeking to establish medical facilities, especially when promised government assistance. The Delhi Police's Crime Branch is now actively investigating the case. They aim to uncover the details of the scam and identify those responsible for the financial deceit.

Frauds targeting individuals with ideas for healthcare ventures are not uncommon. It emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and scrutiny in such business dealings.

A similar case occurred a few days ago in 2023, when police registered a case against four people, including two doctors. They allegedly duped a woman doctor of Rs 1.54 crore under the pretext of arranging funds for a hospital in the Thane district of Maharashtra.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Komal Bhoi/MSM)