In a major cyber fraud case, police in Saharanpur have busted a gang from Lucknow that defrauded a doctor of nearly ₹90.59 lakh under the pretext of recovering pending claims from the Ayushman Bharat scheme. During the investigation, authorities recovered ₹7 lakh in cash and a luxury car purchased using the stolen funds. The gang had reportedly traveled across India with the money and the female accomplice. Following a court order, the recovered cash was returned to the victim doctor on Monday.
Doctor’s Complaint and Scam Details
During a press briefing at the Saharanpur Police Lines, SP City Vyom Bindal said that Dr. Prabhat Kumar Verma, a surgeon residing in Janakpuri, filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Branch on November 11, 2024. Dr. Verma reported that cybercriminals had gained his trust by promising to recover pending payments for treatments conducted under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and, over time, siphoned off approximately ₹90.59 lakh into multiple accounts.
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Ayushman Bharat Scam Investigation: Key Recoveries by Police
The investigation revealed that the cybercrime police had already frozen ₹2.76 lakh in the accused’s accounts. Acting on the identification provided by the main suspect, authorities recovered ₹7 lakh in cash from his residence and a Skoda car from the possession of the gang’s female accomplice. The car had been purchased using the proceeds of the fraud.
Police had earlier arrested Ankit Jaiswal, Abhay Sharma, and Vivek Sharma, all residents of Lucknow, and sent them to jail. The recovered cash was presented in court, and following judicial orders, ₹7 lakh was returned to Dr. Verma on Monday.
SP’s Warning on Cyber Fraud Awareness
SP Vyom Bindal appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and carefully verify any suspicious calls, links, or online transactions before transferring money, warning that cybercriminals often use seemingly legitimate pretexts to lure victims into financial traps.
Authorities stressed that cyber fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated, exploiting official schemes and online payment systems to commit large-scale financial crimes. They urged the public to confirm official channels and consult with authorities before making payments, especially in cases involving health schemes or investment claims.
The Saharanpur police investigation highlights the growing trend of cybercrime targeting professionals and the urgent need for public awareness and strict monitoring of financial transactions in online and telecommunication channels.
