Assam: Fake doctor scam unearthed in Dhubri; villagers duped of lakhs

A major scam involving a fake doctor has been unearthed in Gauripur under Dhubri district, where unsuspecting villagers were duped of lakhs of rupees under the pretence of medical treatment.

The alleged accused, identified as Mahar Ali from Barpeta, falsely presented himself as a qualified doctor and targeted the residents of Baniya Bari at Piyazbari, the village falls under the Gauripur police station area. Exploiting the villagers' lack of awareness, Mahar Ali charged Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per patient, claiming to treat various ailments.

Reports revealed that the fake doctor operated once a week, using brokers to lure patients and run a well-organized racket. Villagers, desperate for medical help, fell prey to his deceit. 

The scam came to light when Atani police conducted a raid, arresting Mahar Ali along with two accomplices involved in the operation.

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Authorities are investigating the extent of the racket, suspecting that it may have affected numerous families in the area. 

Local residents expressed their relief at the arrests but emphasized the need for stricter oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.

“The villagers trusted him blindly, not realizing they were being conned. It’s a wake-up call for everyone to verify medical credentials before seeking treatment,” said a local resident. 

Police have urged citizens to report any similar fraudulent activities and have assured them that strict action will be taken against those exploiting vulnerable communities.