Fraudster cons 75-year-old doctor with fake hospital promise

Chennai: In a recent case of fraud reported in the city, a 75-year-old female doctor was allegedly duped of Rs 2.2 crore in cash, land worth Rs 7 crore, and 26 sovereigns of gold jewellery by a fraudster who promised to help her build a hospital.

Instead of fulfilling his promise, the accused secretly executed the sale deed of the properties in his wife's name and transferred the title deeds without the doctor's knowledge.   

Based on her complaint, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested the 51-year-old accused identified as G. Sankar of Kasturba Nagar in Adyar under charges of cheating and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).  

Also read- 80-year-old doctor kept under digital arrest for 8 days, cheated of Rs 80 lakhs

As per a latest media report by The Hindu, the accused allegedly targeted the doctor from Chepauk who lived alone and befriended her, gradually gaining her trust. After this, he promised to set up a hospital on the land owned by the doctor. 

According to the police, the accused received ₹2.22 crore in cash, 26 sovereigns of gold jewellery, and managed to get power of attorney over two land parcels in Sholinganallur. The plots, part of the Seashore Town Layout, measure 9,227 sq ft, which is estimated to be Rs 7 crore.  

The fraud came to light after the doctor filed a complaint with the Central Crime Branch. The accused, who served as an inspector of assessment at TANGEDCO, was arrested following a detailed investigation.   

Medical Dialogues had reported that a 50-year-old doctor from Dombivli fell victim to an investment scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 3.47 crore. The scammers had promised her high short-term returns, offering profits between 10% and 50%, but these claims turned out to be fraudulent.   

Also read- Thane doctor duped of Rs 3.47 crore- Here's what happened