Fake ‘doctor’ dupes 79-year-old of Rs 5 lakh in Navi Mumbai

The accused visited the complainant’s home between December 2025 and January 15, 2026. Representation Pic/iStock

A 79-year-old retired resident of Sector 28, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, was allegedly cheated of Rs 5 lakh by a man posing as a doctor who promised to cure his knee ailment without surgery. The complainant, Satishkumar Vinubhai Mandirwala, told police that the chain of events began on December 7, 2025, when he met one Anil Jain on Hanuman Road in Vile Parle East. During their interaction, Jain learned about Mandirwala's knee pain and shared the mobile number of a person claiming to be a specialist, Dr Mayur Punawala. Police have clarified that Jain's role was limited to providing the contact number.

Acting on the referral, Mandirwala contacted the accused, who visited his residence on December 9, 2025. The accused allegedly claimed he could treat the knee without surgery and used a device resembling a conch shell during multiple sessions conducted at the victim's home between December 2025 and January 15, 2026. According to the FIR, the accused allegedly asked for R7 lakh as his fee but convinced the elderly victim to pay R5 lakh in cash, citing income tax-related benefits.

The realisation

When there was no improvement in his condition, and the accused became unreachable, Mandirwala realised he had been duped and approached the police. After a preliminary inquiry and necessary permissions, an FIR was registered on April 22, 2026, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to cheating.

Police Speak

"We have registered an FIR based on the complainant's statement and are investigating the matter. Efforts are on to trace the accused," said Senior Inspector Sashikant Chandekar of Vashi police station. Sub-Inspector Vaibhav Rupvate is investigating the case.

Apr 22
Day FIR was registered