A 29-year-old Bengaluru software engineer has reportedly lost Rs 48 lakh and suffered kidney damage after falling for a fraudulent Ayurvedic sexual wellness treatment run by a self-proclaimed doctor in HSR Layout.
Tejas had already been receiving medical care at a multi-specialty hospital in Kengeri, where qualified doctors had assured him that his condition would improve steadily with proper treatment. However, during his commute home, he spotted a makeshift tent promoting “Ayurvedic Treatment: A Panacea for Sexual Problems.”
Inside, a man identifying himself as Vinay Guruji welcomed him. Posters around the tent boasted that his “secret Ayurvedic methods cure all sexual problems.” When Tejas shared his concerns, the so-called guru claimed he could treat him using rare herbal ingredients unavailable in hospitals, assuring complete confidentiality and personalised care. Reassured and hopeful, Tejas began returning for sessions, believing he had found a trusted healer.
The victim began visiting the clinic in 2023, this was soon after he got married and discovered a few sexual problems in his marriage. Over several months, the accused allegedly pressured him into buying expensive herbal formulations, oils and powders. They claimed that the products contained rare ingredients and would permanently “revitalise” his health.
The software engineer paid nearly Rs 48 lakh in instalments, believing the treatment would improve his condition. Instead, his health deteriorated significantly.
The victim reportedly developed severe kidney complications after consuming the prescribed medicines. Medical tests revealed that his kidney function had declined, forcing him to seek emergency hospital care.
Doctors informed him that the herbal products may have contained harmful or unregulated substances that damaged his kidneys. Shocked and distressed, he confronted the practitioner, who allegedly threatened him and refused to return the money.
Realising he had been deceived, the techie filed a complaint with the HSR Layout police.
Police investigated the clinic and found that the alleged Ayurvedic therapist did not hold any recognised medical qualification. His associate, who allegedly handled money collections and marketing, was also named in the complaint.
A case was registered under IPC sections related to cheating, wrongful gain, causing harm and criminal intimidation. Officers stated that the pair had targeted vulnerable individuals seeking discreet treatment for sexual wellness issues.
Authorities are now verifying whether more victims were involved and whether the clinic sold unlicensed medicines.
Bengaluru police say sexual wellness scams have been rising, especially those advertised as Ayurvedic or herbal treatments. Many victims fear social stigma and avoid reporting their experiences, allowing fraudulent clinics to operate freely.
Healthcare experts warn that unlicensed treatments can cause permanent damage, especially when they involve unknown herbal mixtures, steroids or heavy metals.
“People feel embarrassed seeking help for sexual health, so they become easy targets,” a senior official said.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)