Bhopal Man Arrested for Fraudulent Hospital Scheme
Overview of the Fraud
A man impersonating a doctor has executed a fraudulent scheme linked to Hamidia Hospital, the largest government medical facility in Madhya Pradesh. Since January, it is believed that at least ten families of critically ill patients have fallen victim to this scam, with only three filing official complaints that total losses exceeding Rs 30,000.
Methodology of the Scam
Investigators have disclosed that the fraud was facilitated by insider information from hospital staff. Allegedly, employees provided the conman with sensitive patient details, including ward numbers, medical conditions, addresses, treatment updates, and contact information for relatives. In exchange for this information, the accused is said to have offered a 20% commission to the staff members involved.
Using this accurate medical information, the fraudster would reach out to families, asserting that the patient was in critical condition. He promised expedited tests or “better treatment” and urged them to make immediate payments through a QR code. His urgent and convincing calls often led to successful financial exploitation.
Notable Incidents
In one instance, the conman met a family inside the hospital while posing as a doctor for a child diagnosed with a heart defect. This interaction helped him gain their trust and ultimately led to a financial transaction. Audio recordings obtained from some of the victims reveal his manipulative communication style.
In a recorded conversation, the accused can be heard saying, “Give me ten thousand rupees… I will get the echocardiogram done.” When the child’s father expressed concerns about wait times, the fraudster assured him, “Leave all that. Do what I say. I’ll get it done immediately.” He further promised to arrange a free ambulance for their return home, insisting on a payment by a specific time.
Other victims reported similar experiences. One individual transferred Rs 20,000, while another sent Rs 10,999 after being pressured about the safety of his pregnant wife and newborn. A third victim paid Rs 5,000 after a caller, who identified himself as “Dr. Arnav,” claimed that his wife had liver swelling. Collectively, these three cases accounted for a significant portion of the fraudulent payments.
Targeted Departments and Arrest
The scam primarily targeted high-stress departments such as Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and Emergency Medicine. Currently, seven hospital staff members are under suspicion for their involvement, although their identities have not yet been made public. Investigators noted that the fraud could not have occurred without internal cooperation.
Following multiple complaints, hospital authorities alerted law enforcement. Cybercrime teams traced the accused’s phone for three days before apprehending him in Indore and bringing him back to Bhopal. He has been charged with impersonation and fraud, while investigations into the wider network continue.
Official Statements
Confirming the arrest, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anil Bajpai stated, “We have arrested one person who used to contact the relatives of patients admitted to Hamidia Hospital, posing as a doctor, and defrauding them.” He added that the arrest was made based on a complaint from the hospital’s superintendent, which prompted action from both the Kohefiza police station and the Crime Branch team. Bajpai indicated that the arrested individual claimed to have received information from hospital employees, suggesting the potential existence of a larger gang.
Warnings to the Public
Hospital Superintendent Suneet Tandon cautioned families that no doctor or staff member would request extra payments or send QR codes. He urged anyone receiving such calls to report them immediately to hospital security or the dedicated helpline at 1930.