Indian doc working in US recounts how she was cheated of Rs 2 cr by con man

Hyderabad: Dr. Chandana (name changed) is an Indian physician who works in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Chandana was duped by a man who claimed to be an Italian neurosurgeon. Chandana spoke about her ordeal in Hyderabad on Friday.

Ahmad Mohammed Salem, a neurosurgeon, messaged Chandana on Facebook and started communicating with her every day. "Over time, he gained my trust and began asking for money under the guise of traveling and other things," she explained. Chandana transferred over Rs. 2 crores (US$ 250,000) to various accounts (in the name of different account holders) in the United States, Indonesia, and India (Delhi, Hyderabad, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Bangalore, Meghalaya, Shillong, etc.).

Whenever she questioned Salem about his relationship with the account holders, he'd say he was a friend or a family member. "He'd say his account is inaccessible because he's been travelling in a foreign country and would ask me to deposit in those accounts," she explained.

Salem started avoiding Chandana when she asked for her money. "Around the same time, I received a call from an unknown person who claimed to be from London. He gave me the details of a person who is a habitual conman and has been fleecing many women with a very similar profile," she continued. "I'm here because I want all women to be aware of this con man and stay away from him. He primarily targets Indian-origin women who are single, widowed, or divorced," Chandana said.

According to her, such incidents are common among Indian women. Recently, a woman from Chennai was duped of approximately Rs. 1 crore, a woman from Delhi lost approximately Rs. 33 lakhs, two women from Mumbai were duped of approximately Rs. 17 lakhs and Rs. 11 Lakhs, respectively, and a Hyderabad woman living near Charminar lost approximately Rs. 11 lakhs.

Dr. Chandana wishes to bring to light the fact that there are many women out there who have suffered and been duped but are afraid to speak out for fear of being judged by society or officials. "I recommend that women contact the police in all such cases to ensure that such criminals are apprehended. Don't be afraid of society," Chandana advised.