Mumbai: In a shocking incident that highlights vulnerabilities within healthcare systems, four people have been arrested in Mumbai for allegedly duping patients with bogus ayurvedic medicines claiming to cure serious diseases, including cancer.
The Bhoiwada police apprehended the suspects for defrauding patients in various Mumbai hospitals by selling fake Ayurvedic remedies. The fraudsters allegedly exploited patients' desperation and financial vulnerability, charging them exorbitant fees. This has raised serious concerns about patient safety and the potential exploitation of individuals seeking medical treatment.
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Police reports indicate that the fraudsters specifically targeted patients and their families outside well-known healthcare facilities, such as KEM Hospital, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, and Tata Memorial Hospital. Approaching families in distress, the scammers presented what they claimed were miracle cures in return for significant sums of money.
The so-called "medicines" sold by the fraudsters were nothing more than powdered substances or juices made from common ingredients like bitter gourd, bottle gourd, gooseberry, tulsi, and coconut oil. While these items are often praised for their health benefits, they lack any proven efficacy in treating serious conditions such as cancer. By misleading desperate patients, the fraudsters not only exploited their emotional vulnerabilities but also posed significant health risks.
Sachin Kadam, the senior police inspector at the Bhoiwada police station, confirmed that an offense had been registered against the four individuals. The accused include a 29-year-old resident of Andheri, a 27-year-old from the same area, a 36-year-old from Mankurd, and a 24-year-old also from Mankurd.
Several patients informed the police about a gang that had cheated them by promising a 100% cure for various diseases via Ayurveda.
According to the Hindustan Times, a police officer said, “They used to charge between ₹5,000 and ₹2.5 lakh for the fake medicines, depending on the patient’s financial status and urgency. We had registered a case in 2022, in which they had taken ₹2.5 lakh from a patient promising him a complete cure.”
The police officer added that juices or powders were given to patients. Tulsi juice, bottle gourd, and bitter gourd were mixed with coconut oil and presented to patients or their relatives, who were told it was a medicine that would cure them within a month. If anyone approached them after a month of treatment, they were referred to a Thane Ayurvedic center.
The police highlighted that the accused had no formal qualifications or licenses to practice Ayurveda or sell medicines. Samples of the concoctions they sold have been collected for forensic testing to support the investigation further.
The suspects were apprehended following police surveillance outside KEM Hospital, where they were actively trying to sell their fraudulent products. They have been charged under sections 125B (acts endangering life or personal safety of others) and 318 (cheating) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
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