
In a shocking case of consumer fraud, three men were arrested in Meerut for allegedly deceiving over a thousand individuals with counterfeit hair growth medicine. The accused, identified as Mohd Salman, Mohd Sameer, and Mohd Imraan, all in their 30s, have been booked under charges of cheating at the Lisari Gate police station. SP (City) Ayush Vikram Singh confirmed the arrest and stated that the investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of their activities and any other individuals who may be involved.
One of the victims, Shadab Rao, a businessman from Meerut, recounted his distressing experience, shedding light on the modus operandi of the accused. "They ran social media advertisements that were incredibly convincing, with claims of extraordinary results backed by what seemed like authentic testimonials. Intrigued and desperate for a solution, I paid their entry fee and agreed to have the medicine applied to my scalp. However, within a short period, I began experiencing intense itching and discomfort," Rao explained.
He recounted, "When I raised my concerns with them, they dismissed me outright, claiming my reaction was an isolated incident and emphasizing the supposed success stories of numerous other clients. Despite their reassurances, my condition only worsened, forcing me to seek medical advice. A specialist later confirmed that I had developed a scalp infection. The entire ordeal was both distressing and deeply frustrating."
The incident has sparked widespread concern about public health and the enforcement of regulatory measures. Responding to the situation, Meerut's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ashok Kataria, stressed the importance of addressing such fraudulent activities promptly. "Upon receiving the information, we promptly dispatched a medical team to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. Our primary goal is to determine whether the accused had obtained the necessary licenses to operate and verify the authenticity and safety of the medicines they were using," Dr. Kataria explained.
He added, "The drug department is actively analyzing the substances in question to determine their composition and evaluate any potential health risks they may pose. Moreover, we are collaborating closely with law enforcement to trace and apprehend any additional individuals linked to this scam. Public safety remains our top priority, and we are committed to taking strict and decisive action to prevent such fraudulent practices."
The scam has not only left victims physically harmed but also financially cheated, as many individuals were reportedly charged exorbitant fees for the fraudulent treatment. Authorities are urging anyone who may have fallen prey to this scam to come forward and assist in the investigation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unverified medical treatments and the need for stronger regulations in the health and wellness sector. Law enforcement and medical authorities have vowed to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and preventive measures are put in place to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)