Jaipur doctor held for conning Dermatologist of Rs 1.71 crore

Pune: More than a month after a renowned Pune-based skin specialist, the founder of a Skin Clinic in Baner, and his friend were duped of Rs 1.71 crore by a Jaipur-based doctor under the pretext of cryptocurrency investments, the Chatushrungi police arrested the doctor on Friday and produced him before a magisterial court.

The doctor has been remanded in judicial custody till April 2. During that period, the police will investigate how he operated the alleged scam and whether more individuals were defrauded under similar circumstances.

Also read- Crypto Fraud: Pune doctor duped of Rs 1.71 crore, Jaipur-based doctor under investigation

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported about the scam where the doctor from Jaipur was booked for defrauding the dermatologist from Baner and his friend, and even issuing them death threats when confronted about the missing funds. The accused has several pending extortion and rape cases in Jaipur.

The complainant, a 54-year-old doctor from Baner, runs a skin clinic and holds six registered patents. He first met the accused in 2019 through a mutual friend in Jaipur, where both had studied at SMS Medical College. Over time, they developed a close friendship, with the doctor frequently visiting Pune.

Between 2022 and 2024, the Jaipur doctor sought skin tightening and anti-ageing treatments from the complainant. During this period, he introduced cryptocurrency investments as a lucrative opportunity, convincing the Pune doctor to invest Rs 10 lakh in August 2022. The accused later claimed that the amount had grown to Rs 25 lakh, convincing him to invest more.

Encouraged by these assurances, the complainant introduced his friend to the accused. Between September 1, 2024, and the following months, the complainant's friend invested Rs 1.49 crore. After the accused skin treatments were completed, the complainant presented a medical bill of Rs 2 lakh. However, when the complainant asked the accused to settle the bill, he claimed to have reinvested the money in cryptocurrency and promised to return the entire amount soon.

As repeated demands for repayment did not result in an outcome, the accused allegedly turned aggressive. He refused to return the money, allegedly issued death threats, and verbally abused him.

Following the arrest of the accused doctor, Assistant Inspector Sachin Karande told Punekar News, “The accused used to visit the dermatologist’s clinic for treatment. Over time, he gained their trust and convinced them, along with two of their friends, to invest in cryptocurrency, promising lucrative returns."

To investigate the case further, an officer said, “We are examining his financial transactions and digital records to uncover the full extent of his activities."

Police have urged individuals to exercise caution while investing in cryptocurrency and to thoroughly verify schemes before committing large sums of money.

Also read- Crypto Investment Scam: Hyderabad doctor cheated of Rs 11 crore