Mumbai: Rs 4.5 Crore Financial Fraud in Fake Medical Fundraising Campaign

Mumbai : Matunga police have registered a case of financial fraud involving a fake medical fundraising campaign that allegedly misappropriated Rs 4.5 crore. The complaint, filed by Arif Ahmed Mansoor Sheikh, a social worker from Mahim, accuses Piyush Jain, director of the Impact Guru app, along with Nikhat Khan and Noufil Kazi, of conspiring to deceive the public by misusing funds collected for a child's medical treatment.

According to the FIR registered by Matunga police, the accused falsely claimed that a four-year-old child was suffering from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and required Rs 17 crore for treatment. The child was purportedly admitted to Hinduja Hospital for care. The campaign was launched in January 2024, promoted through a post on actress Sana Khan's Instagram account on January 11, garnering public attention and donations.

However, instead of directing the funds into the official hospital account, the accused allegedly collected over Rs 4.5 crore through various online payment methods into personal accounts. Investigators later discovered that the funds were not used for the child's treatment, but were instead misappropriated for personal gain by the accused.

The case came to light after a magistrate court directed the police to file a case under CrPC 156 (3), which led to the registration of charges of cheating, forgery, and breach of trust. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4), Raghasudha, confirmed the development and stated that the investigation is underway. Authorities are now tracking the flow of funds to ensure accountability and uncover the full extent of the fraud.

The case has raised concerns about the misuse of online fundraising platforms and the lack of accountability in charitable campaigns. The police have urged the public to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of such campaigns before making donations.

As the investigation progresses, the accused individuals are being questioned, and further details of the financial transactions are being examined. Police are also liaising with financial institutions to trace the movement of the funds and recover the misappropriated amount.