Accused Arrested for Cheating and Criminal Intimidation
Bhubaneswar:
A woman medical officer working at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar was allegedly duped of ₹1.30 lakh by a man posing as a doctor. The accused has been arrested by Mancheswar police on charges of cheating and criminal intimidation.
Contact Made Through Matrimonial Website
According to police and media reports, the accused first contacted the woman through a matrimonial website, claiming to be a doctor employed in Pune. By projecting a fake medical background, he managed to gain the trust of the woman and her family.
Professional Identity Used to Build Trust
Investigators noted that the accused’s false claim of being a medical professional played a crucial role in establishing credibility. The shared professional identity helped him build a relationship and manipulate the victim emotionally and financially.
Request for Financial Help
As reported by Odisha TV, after gaining her confidence, the accused sought financial assistance, stating that he required money for the last rites of a friend’s mother. Believing his explanation, the woman transferred ₹1.30 lakh in three separate digital transactions.
Threats After Demand for Refund
When the woman later asked for the money to be returned, the accused allegedly threatened her with serious consequences. Alarmed by his behaviour and suspecting fraud, she decided to approach the police.
Police Complaint and Investigation
Following her complaint at the Mancheswar police station, an investigation was launched. Police confirmed that the accused does not possess any recognised medical qualification and is not a registered doctor.
Past Criminal Record Revealed
During the probe, officials also found that several criminal cases had previously been registered against the accused. Investigators are now examining whether he used similar tactics to cheat other victims by posing as a doctor.
Part of a Larger Pattern of Fraud
This incident is not isolated. Earlier, a Karnataka-based doctor reportedly lost ₹22 lakh in a cyber fraud involving false promises of a massive monetary reward, highlighting the growing trend of criminals exploiting trust within the medical community.
