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Panaji, India — In a case that has sent ripples through the business community, a 38-year-old orthopaedic surgeon has been apprehended in Panaji for allegedly defrauding a local jeweler. The arrest serves as a stern reminder to retailers about the importance of verifying digital payment confirmations.
The incident unfolded when Dr. [Name Redacted], a well-regarded medical professional, visited Aurum Jewels, a popular store owned by Tejas Salkar. The doctor selected gold ornaments valued at Rs 1.41 lakh and, to finalize the transaction, showed the jeweler a screenshot of an online payment confirmation. Trusting the professional, Salkar allowed the doctor to leave with the gold.
However, the payment never reached Salkar’s bank account. After a day of anxiously waiting, the jeweler filed a complaint, prompting a swift police investigation. The Panaji police team, acting on the complaint, launched a search and successfully located the doctor in Candolim, Goa.
Upon his arrest, a more sinister pattern of behavior emerged. Police revealed that the doctor was a habitual offender, wanted in connection with at least nine similar fraud cases across various states. His modus operandi was consistent: he would pose as a legitimate customer, make high-value purchases, and then use fraudulent payment screenshots to deceive merchants. The stolen gold ornaments from the Panaji incident were recovered during his arrest.
Police authorities are now urging retailers and merchants to adopt a more cautious approach when dealing with digital transactions. They advise business owners to verify all digital payments directly with their banks, rather than relying solely on customer-provided screenshots. This proactive measure could prevent them from falling victim to similar scams.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from police reports and news sources. The individual mentioned is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Reference: Orthopaedic surgeon arrested for Rs 1.41 lakh gold fraud
