Mumbai: In a startling case of large-scale fraud, 72 doctors from across India were allegedly cheated of over ₹2 crore by a man posing as a tour operator during a high-profile medical conference in Mumbai. The accused, who introduced himself as the founder of IRIS Global Media, promised the victims a dream vacation to Baku, Azerbaijan, only to vanish with their money.
The scam unfolded at the FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India) conference, held in November 2024 at a five-star hotel in Powai, which was attended by over 200 medical professionals.
The Baku Bait
According to police, the fraudster mingled with attendees, posing as an event organizer and leveraging his presence at the venue to gain trust. He showcased photographs of exotic trips he claimed to have organized for doctors in the past. Several of the doctors, impressed by the pitch, proposed a group trip to Baku, scheduled from May 18 to 24, 2025.
A WhatsApp group was created for coordination, and 88 doctors initially joined. The accused announced the package cost at ₹1.5 lakh per person, including flights, visas, accommodation, and meals. By April 7, 72 doctors had transferred a total of ₹2.14 crore into a bank account belonging to the accused, Hegde, under the name of his purported company.
Red Flags and Vanishing Act
Trouble began when Hegde posted a message in the group claiming that some doctors had paid late and would be refunded. He initially refunded ₹13.10 lakh to a few participants, a move seen as a classic confidence trick to delay suspicion and appease complainants.
But when no further refunds materialized, and communication from Hegde ceased, the group realized they had been scammed.
Legal Action Initiated
The matter was escalated by Dr. Rohan Palshetkar, a well-known gynaecologist from Navi Mumbai, who filed a formal complaint with Dadar Police Station. An FIR has been registered against Hegde under Sections 318(3) (cheating) and 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
As of now, the accused remains absconding, and police are actively investigating.
“We have registered a case based on Dr. Rohan Palshetkar’s complaint. The investigation is underway,” confirmed a police officer.
Doctors Sound Alarm
This incident has sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity, especially as it targeted professionals during an event meant for knowledge exchange and networking. With doctors often forming close-knit travel groups for personal and professional development, the case highlights the risks of trusting unverified service providers, even in familiar settings.
