Why Did Renowned Oncologist Dr Gangadharan File a Police Complaint?

Synopsis
Dr V.P. Gangadharan, a leading oncologist in India, has taken legal action after receiving a threatening letter demanding a large sum of money. This alarming situation raises questions about safety and the challenges faced by medical professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Dr V.P. Gangadharan is a respected oncologist in India.
- He received a threatening letter demanding Rs 8.25 lakh.
- The letter warned of harm to his family if demands were not met.
- Local police are investigating the incident.
- Healthcare professionals need better protection against such threats.
Kochi, June 4 (NationPress) Dr V.P. Gangadharan, a prominent oncologist in India, has lodged a police complaint following the receipt of a menacing letter that demands Rs 8.25 lakh and threatens the safety of his family if the sum is not paid.
The threatening correspondence, which was reportedly sent via post on May 17, displayed a German postal mark. Initially contemplating to disregard it, Dr Gangadharan decided to turn it over to local authorities just two days later.
Expressing his distress to IANS, he stated that he had no clue about who might be behind this threat.
“The letter requested Rs 8.25 lakh and warned that failing to comply would put my entire family’s lives at risk,” said Dr Gangadharan, recognized for his gentle nature and commitment to his patients.
“The postal seal indicated it was sent from Germany,” he further explained.
The letter claimed to originate from a group named ‘Citizens For Justice’, which allegedly operates out of Mumbai.
It accused him of being culpable in the death of a young female patient, asserting that her mother subsequently took her own life.
“I reviewed my records but could not find any such incident. I have also alerted the hospitals I am affiliated with,” said the esteemed cancer specialist, who is currently associated with two prominent hospitals in Kochi.
“At first, I considered ignoring it, but then I recognized it could potentially be a scam targeting medical professionals. Others may have received similar threats,” he noted.
Dr Gangadharan mentioned that the local police's Cyber Cell is currently pursuing the investigation.
S. Sreejith, the Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) and head of the Cyber Wing in Kerala, informed IANS that he had not been made aware of the complaint until now but remarked: “Now that I have been informed, we will take this matter seriously.”
Dr Gangadharan is widely respected as one of India's foremost oncologists and holds significant esteem among his colleagues and patients alike.