Hyderabad: Former Novartis CEO falls victim to fake Ayurvedic treatment; case registered
The victim suffers from Ocular Myasthenia Granis—a condition causing double vision, drooping eyelids, and a head lean towards the left shoulder
By Newsmeter Network Published on 5 Feb 2024 4:10 AM GMT
Representational Image.
Hyderabad: A 75-year-old retired CEO of Novartis has become the latest victim of fake Ayurvedic treatment.
According to Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar Police Station Inspector Polisetti Sateesh, Panduranga Rao, a 75-year-old retired CEO of Novartis residing in Somajiguda, has been defrauded by a fraudulent Ayurvedic treatment.
Rao, who suffers from Ocular Myasthenia Granis—a condition causing double vision, drooping eyelids, and a head lean towards the left shoulder—sought relief at AIG Hospital. During his visit, an unidentified individual claimed to have a similar issue with his father and proposed a miraculous cure involving coconut oil and herbal powders.
Initially skeptical, Rao succumbed to persistent persuasion and reluctantly agreed to undergo the treatment. This decision led him to Balaji Ayurvedic Centre in Ameerpet, where he met Rajeev, who claimed to be its MD. The Centre assured him that they only charge for the ingredients, not the treatment. They handed him various Ayurvedic powders and asked him to mix and consume them.
Despite Panduranga Rao's preference for card payment, the center insisted on cash. As a result, a staff member accompanied him to withdraw the required amount, facilitating the cash payment.
Days passed, and Rao found no improvement in his condition. He tried to contact the Balaji Ayurvedic Centre but it was closed and the phone number also not reachable. Sensing he had fallen victim to a scam, he reported the incident to the SR Nagar Police Station.
A case has been registered under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and an investigation is currently underway to apprehend the fraudulent individuals involved in the deceptive Ayurvedic treatment scheme.
