In a disturbing case from Andheri, Mumbai, an elderly woman fell victim to a fake doctor’s deceptive tactics, losing lakhs of rupees in a fraudulent knee surgery. Oshiwara Police have registered a complaint against a man who identified himself as Dr. Zafar Merchant and an accomplice named Vinod Goyal, alleging that the two men extorted Rs 7.25 lakh from the woman under the guise of a medical procedure.

The incident, which dates back to November 2021, began when a 61-year-old woman, unaware of the doctor’s true identity, reached out for treatment using a number she had been given by an unknown source. According to police, Dr. Merchant, who was posing as a qualified physician, worked alongside Goyal to convince the woman and her family of his credentials. Despite the crime occurring nearly three years ago, the woman only recently lodged an official complaint, leading police to formally register a case against the two individuals.

In 2021, the woman had visited a clinic with her elderly mother for dental treatment, where they encountered Vinod Goyal. During a conversation, she mentioned her mother’s severe knee pain. Goyal then recommended a doctor and provided a contact number. When the woman contacted this so-called doctor, he introduced himself as Dr. Zafar Merchant and even arranged to visit her home to perform what he described as a “simple” knee surgery.

At her home, Dr. Merchant performed a series of unorthodox steps. He made small incisions on both knees, drew blood, spread it on a piece of paper, sprinkled turmeric on it, and then disposed of the paper. He assured the woman that this procedure would relieve her mother’s knee pain. For this “surgery,” Dr. Merchant demanded Rs 7.25 lakh, which the woman and her mother paid in cash.

However, the woman soon realized something was amiss, as her mother’s knee pain persisted. She attempted to contact Dr. Merchant, but his phone was switched off. Attempts to reach Goyal were similarly unsuccessful, as he gave only false promises before cutting off communication entirely. Due to a series of family emergencies, including the passing of her in-laws, the woman was unable to immediately report the fraud.

Recently, however, the woman read reports about similar cases involving Dr. Merchant, who reportedly targeted other elderly individuals in Mumbai’s western suburbs. After waiting two months to confirm the doctor’s fraudulent activities, she finally filed a complaint with the Oshiwara Police on Tuesday. A case has now been registered under Sections 419 (impersonation) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities suspect that Dr. Merchant and Goyal may have defrauded other people using similar tactics and have launched an investigation to identify any additional victims.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)