Jipmer doctor among six booked for duping woman of Rs 25 lakh promising job in institute

The Fraud Scheme Unfolds

A 49-year-old woman residing in JIPMER quarters became the victim of an elaborate employment fraud that spanned nearly three years. The woman, identified as V. Valarmathi, was introduced to S. Kanniappan, the driver of Dr. Gowtham Roy, a doctor posted at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). Kanniappan claimed to possess the connections necessary to secure a job for Valarmathi's son at the prestigious medical institute, requesting a substantial sum of Rs 25 lakh for the arrangement. The driver's promise of easy placement through institutional connections appeared credible to the unsuspecting mother, who was eager to secure her son's future.

Threats and Legal Intervention

Between 2020 and 2022, Valarmathi paid Rs 15 lakh to Kanniappan in two separate installments, demonstrating her trust in the arrangement and her willingness to invest her savings for her son's employment prospects. The fraudsters later introduced her directly to Dr. Gowtham Roy himself, which further legitimized the scheme in her eyes. The doctor then demanded the remaining Rs 10 lakh to finalize the placement and ensure the promised position. Believing the end goal was within reach, Valarmathi paid this final amount in 2023, emptying her financial resources in the process. However, when the promised job failed to materialize, the reality of the fraud became apparent.

When Valarmathi approached the fraudsters demanding either the promised employment for her son or a refund of her money, she faced threats and intimidation instead of resolution. Desperate and distressed, she filed a formal complaint with the D Nagar police on March 28, 2023, hoping for swift action and justice. However, the police did not initiate any action on her complaint, leaving her case stalled and her grievances unaddressed for months.

When Valarmathi demanded that they either return the money or get placement for her son, they threatened her with dire consequences.

Police Action and Charges

Frustrated by the inaction, Valarmathi approached the local court seeking intervention. The court, recognizing the validity of her complaint and the seriousness of the allegations, directed the police to register a formal case and commence a thorough investigation. This judicial intervention proved crucial in finally setting the wheels of justice in motion, demonstrating the importance of the court system in protecting citizens when regular channels fail them.

Following the court's directive, the Puducherry police registered a case against six individuals involved in the fraud. Dr. Gowtham Roy, the primary conspirator, along with his driver S. Kanniappan and four other associates, were booked on charges of cheating and fraud. The investigation revealed the systematic nature of the scam, with clear roles assigned to different members of the gang. The case highlights how institutional credentials and insider connections can be exploited by unscrupulous individuals to perpetrate financial crimes against vulnerable citizens seeking legitimate employment opportunities.

The registration of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when dealing with job placement promises, particularly those requiring large upfront payments. Citizens are increasingly cautious about employment schemes that demand substantial fees outside official channels, yet fraudsters continue to devise new methods to exploit people's aspirations and financial resources. The police investigation into this matter will likely reveal additional details about the gang's operations and whether other victims exist. This case underscores the need for awareness campaigns about common employment fraud tactics and the importance of verifying job offers through official institutional channels rather than through intermediaries or unofficial contacts.