Bengaluru Software Engineer Duped of Rs 48 Lakh by Self-Proclaimed Healer
A 29-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru has filed a police complaint after allegedly being cheated out of Rs 48 lakh by a man who posed as a healer and an Ayurvedic shop owner. The shocking case highlights how desperation and trust in unofficial remedies can make people vulnerable to elaborate scams.
The complaint, filed under KLE Law College police limits near 100 Feet Road, details how the techie fell victim to a fraudulent “treatment plan” meant to cure a personal health issue.
How the Scam Began: A Visit to an Ayurvedic Stall
The victim told police that he had visited an Ayurvedic stall advertising quick remedies for a sexual health problem. Hoping for a discreet solution, he approached the shop seeking advice.
There, the shop staff introduced him to a man who identified himself as Vinay Guruji, a so-called healer who claimed to specialize in rare Ayurvedic and spiritual treatments. According to the FIR, Guruji convinced the engineer that he could cure the condition using two “rare and powerful” herbs:
- Devaraj Booti
- Rasa Booti
Guruji allegedly claimed these herbs were sourced from Haridwar and were extremely potent, promising a guaranteed cure if used regularly.
The Price Shock: Herbs Costing Lakhs Per Gram
What happened next pushed the young engineer into a financial spiral.
According to the complaint, Guruji priced the herbal powders at an unimaginable Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2.6 lakh per gram, insisting that their rarity justified the cost.
The engineer, anxious to resolve his health condition, agreed to buy them. He purchased them in bulk from Vijayalakshmi Ayurvedic Shop, as directed by Guruji. Each payment was made entirely in cash.
Slowly, the costs escalated, and so did the pressure.
Draining His Savings, Borrowing Money and Taking Loans
To keep up with the payments, the victim:
- Emptied his personal savings
- Borrowed money from friends
- Took multiple loans
- Continued paying cash out of fear and hope for recovery
By the time the pattern became clear, he had spent a staggering Rs 48 lakh on the so-called treatment.
Health Worsens Instead of Improving
Instead of getting better, the engineer’s health took a severe downturn. Medical tests later revealed signs of kidney damage, raising doubts about the safety of the substances he had consumed.
Alarmed by his deteriorating condition, he confronted the self-proclaimed healer.
Threats Instead of Answers
When questioned, Guruji allegedly issued threats rather than explanations. He reportedly told the victim that stopping the treatment would be dangerous and could “put his life at risk.” Guruji also demanded more money to continue the so-called healing process.
It was at this point that the engineer realised he had been trapped in an elaborate scam.
Following the threats and the financial loss, he approached the police.
Police Step In: Case Filed, Accused Absconding
Bengaluru police have registered a case for cheating and other relevant offences. According to officials, the primary accused, Vinay Guruji, is currently absconding. Investigators are tracking leads to locate him and are examining the role of the Ayurvedic shop owner who facilitated the purchases.
A Growing Pattern of Fraudulent “Healing” Scams
Cases like this are not isolated. Across various cities in India, scammers often pose as healers, tantriks, or herbal medicine experts to exploit people dealing with sensitive health concerns. Such victims are often too embarrassed to seek regular medical help and fall prey to high-pressure tactics and pseudoscientific claims.
The techie’s case is yet another reminder of the risks involved in trusting unverified health remedies and self-proclaimed miracle healers.
What This Case Means for the Public
This incident raises important questions about:
- The need for stronger regulation of alternative medicine stalls
- Awareness about medical fraud
- The dangers of paying large sums in cash
- The vulnerability of individuals seeking quick, private fixes for health issues
Medical professionals have repeatedly warned against unverified treatments, especially those purchased outside authorized and regulated systems.
Investigation Continues
Police are continuing their investigation into the case, and more arrests are expected as they piece together the network behind the scam. Authorities have urged the public to be cautious and to report similar incidents immediately.
