In a city where wellness clinics and alternative therapies flourish, few would expect to encounter a con so surreal it sounds fictional. Yet that’s exactly what happened in Gurgaon — where a man calling himself “Dr Zeriwala” duped dozens with a grotesque medical scam that involved cutting open patients and charging ₹5,000 per drop of blood.
The Man Behind the Mask: A Self-Styled Healer, Not a Doctor
Gurgaon Police on Monday arrested the individual posing as “Dr Zeriwala,” who falsely claimed to be an expert in Unani medicine and traditional cures. His modus operandi was shocking: he approached patients suffering from chronic pain, paralysis, or neurological conditions, and convinced them their blood was “infected” and needed to be extracted, drop by drop, to cure their illness.
According to officials, he would use a sharp surgical instrument to pierce the patient’s skin, collect drops of blood, and charge a whopping ₹5,000 per drop — all under the pretext of “poison removal.”
“He told my uncle the blood near his spine was ‘blackened’ and needed to be drained out,” said one relative of a 65-year-old victim. “We believed him because he used medical terms and carried fake certificates.”
How the Fraud Was Busted
The scam began to unravel when a complaint reached the Gurgaon police cyber cell. Multiple victims had come forward with eerily similar stories — fake diagnoses, dramatic “treatments,” and painful side effects.
The final breakthrough came after an undercover operation led police to a commercial space in Sector 23, where Zeriwala had set up a shady consultation room. Officers posed as patients, secretly recorded the interaction, and confirmed that the suspect was not a registered practitioner with any medical board.
“We recovered fake medical degrees, surgical kits, blood-stained gauze, and multiple appointment diaries,” said a senior police officer.
Victims Mostly Elderly, Chronically Ill
Zeriwala’s clientele included the elderly, patients with chronic pain, and people recovering from paralysis or injury — individuals desperate for relief and willing to believe in anything that promised a cure. He allegedly preyed on their vulnerability by invoking ancient Unani concepts, pseudo-scientific jargon, and fake testimonials.
Police believe he may have defrauded over 50 people across Gurgaon, Delhi, and Noida in the past six months.
A Chilling Reminder of NCR’s Wellness Gray Zone
This case exposes a darker side of NCR’s booming alternative medicine market — a space that often operates with little oversight, especially when unlicensed “practitioners” use borrowed legitimacy to mislead vulnerable patients.
Gurgaon, like many urban centers, has seen a rise in homeopathy clinics, Ayurveda centers, and traditional healing spaces. While many are genuine, this case highlights the urgent need for regulation, verification, and public awareness.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
- Verify Credentials: Always ask for a doctor’s registration number or medical license ID.
- Avoid Cash Deals: Fraudsters often avoid digital trails. Prefer digital payments through verified channels.
- Never Fall for “Instant Cure” Claims: Paralysis and neurological issues don’t have miracle drops or incisions.
- Report Suspicious Clinics: Contact your local police or file a complaint with the Medical Council of India or relevant state board.
Gurgaon Police Warns: This Is Not an Isolated Case
Authorities are probing whether “Dr Zeriwala” is part of a larger network exploiting loopholes in alternative medicine oversight. They’re urging more victims to come forward and are working to verify the authenticity of all locations he operated from.
“We appeal to the public to stay alert. If you or someone you know has been approached by a similar practitioner, contact us immediately,” said Gurgaon Police spokesperson ACP Priyanshu Diwan.
FAQS
Who is “Dr Zeriwala” and why was he arrested in Gurgaon?
“Dr Zeriwala” is a man who posed as a Unani doctor in Gurgaon, offering fake treatments for paralysis and chronic pain. He was arrested for charging ₹5,000 per drop of blood he extracted from patients in a fraudulent “detox” procedure.
What did Dr Zeriwala claim to cure?
He claimed he could cure conditions like paralysis and spinal pain by removing “poisonous blood” through small incisions, falsely presenting it as a form of Unani healing.
How much money did victims lose to this scam?
Victims were charged ₹5,000 per drop of blood. Some individuals reportedly lost tens of thousands of rupees for multiple sessions.
How did the Gurgaon Police catch the fake doctor?
Police received multiple complaints and conducted an undercover sting operation. They arrested him at a Sector 23 location where he was treating patients illegally using sharp instruments and fake credentials.
How can I report similar frauds in Delhi NCR?
You can report such frauds by:
- Visiting your nearest police station
- Filing a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in
- Contacting local health authorities or the Medical Council of India