How Did a Bhopal Dermatologist Fall Victim to a Bigg Boss Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Gupta lost Rs 10 lakh due to a fraudulent scheme.
- Awareness is crucial to prevent falling victim to scams.
- The police are taking action under section 420 of the IPC.
- Scammers often exploit the dreams of aspiring reality TV participants.
- Stay informed to protect yourself from similar scams.
Mumbai, Aug 10 (NationPress) Dr. Abhineet Gupta, a dermatologist hailing from Bhopal, found himself a victim of fraud, losing Rs 10 lakh under the guise of securing a spot on the renowned reality TV show Bigg Boss.
The doctor has lodged an FIR at the Oshiwara Police Station in Mumbai, following an earlier complaint filed in Bhopal.
During a recent press briefing in Mumbai, Dr. Gupta disclosed that back in 2022, a man named Karan Singh persuaded him to audition for Bigg Boss, claiming to have influential connections with the show's producers.
"He initially mentioned a sum of one crore rupees, but I declined due to financial constraints. Subsequently, he traveled to Mumbai and facilitated a phone conversation with his associates, who offered 60 lakh rupees, insisting on cash payment. He invited me to Mumbai and arranged a meeting with Harish Shah, the Senior Vice President of Endemol Company.
Later, Karan requested funds, leading to the transfer of 10 lakh rupees to him.
However, when the contestants for Bigg Boss season 16 were unveiled, Dr. Gupta's name was absent. Upon inquiring, Karan reassured him that he would enter mid-season as a wild card. After the conclusion of the season, Karan altered his claims, promising participation in the subsequent season. Yet, this too proved fruitless.
"After the conclusion of season 17, I demanded the return of my 10 lakh rupees. Karan continued to make excuses, and I eventually approached the police to file a complaint. Unfortunately, there were significant delays, and it took nearly two years to finally register the FIR," Dr. Gupta recounted.
The police have initiated legal proceedings against the accused under section 420 of the IPC for fraud.
Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of raising awareness about individuals like Karan to prevent others from falling prey to similar scams.