2 hrs ago
Online Eye-Surgery Appeal Unravels Into ₹1.58 Lakh Scam
A young man posted online asking for money for his sister’s eye operation.
He said the family could not afford the treatment.
Many people believed him and sent more than ₹1.5 lakh.
The hospital named in the documents said the papers appeared to be fake.
People then questioned Jay during long online discussions.
Jay gave different explanations, including that his father was actually sick.
Reports also said the picture of the girl may have been made using artificial intelligence.
He apologized and said he would return everyone’s money.
It was not independently confirmed that all donors were repaid.
A user identified as Jay Singh Rathore sought donations for his alleged 12-year-old sister’s eye treatment on X.
The appeal raised ₹1,58,282 from online donors within a few hours.
Shroff Eye Centre said fabricated patient records, prescriptions and estimates were circulated using its letterheads.
During X Spaces, Jay gave conflicting explanations, saying the money was for his father and that he used his sister’s name to increase attention.
Jay later apologized, acknowledged wrongdoing and promised to refund donors, though repayment of the full amount was not independently confirmed.
- Who
- A user identified as Jay Singh Rathore, online donors, people who questioned the appeal, and Shroff Eye Centre.
- What
- An online fundraising appeal for alleged eye treatment was accused of using fabricated medical documents and potentially misleading donors.
- Where
- The appeal circulated on X, while the referenced medical institution was Shroff Eye Centre in Delhi.
- When
- The appeal was posted on 21 September; the controversy and online discussions continued through 23 September.
- Why
- Jay initially said the money was needed for his sister’s treatment; he later said his father was ill and that he used his sister’s name to increase the post’s reach.
Jay’s Claims
Donors’ and Hospital’s Concerns
Whether the fundraiser was genuine
Jay’s Claims
Jay initially said his sister needed urgent eye treatment and later said his father was the person needing medical help. He denied intending to defraud anyone.
Donors’ and Hospital’s Concerns
Donors questioned the medical records, while Shroff Eye Centre said documents using its letterheads had been fabricated.
Use of the money
Jay’s Claims
Jay said the money was collected for a real medical emergency and promised to return every contribution.
Donors’ and Hospital’s Concerns
Donors demanded refunds and questioned where the ₹1.58 lakh had gone; full repayment was not independently confirmed.
Responsibility for promotion
Jay’s Claims
Ranisa said she only amplified the post because Jay was a fellow Rathore and denied asking anyone to donate.
Donors’ and Hospital’s Concerns
Some users accused her of helping the appeal spread, although the article does not establish that she solicited donations.
Key facts
- Amount raised
- ₹1,58,282 in a few hours, according to the appeal’s updates.
- Initial medical claim
- The post said the girl had vitreous haemorrhage and glaucoma and needed a further procedure costing about ₹1.2 lakh.
- Hospital warning
- Shroff Eye Centre warned that fake patient, prescription and estimate documents were being circulated on its letterheads.
- Online discussions
- Jay participated in several X Spaces, including one lasting about four hours.
- Repayment claim
- Jay said he had begun repaying some donors and would return all the money after a reported 24-hour bank-account restriction ended.
- Conflicting explanations
- He initially described the fundraiser as help for his sister, later said it concerned his father, and also said he had used his sister’s name to attract attention.
- Amplifier’s response
- A user identified as Ranisa denied involvement, saying she only liked, commented on and quoted the original post.
Quotes
Ajayveer “Jay” Singh Rathore
The fundraiser organizer accused of conducting the donation scam.
“I understand that what I did was wrong. There are a few things I could explain, but I don’t think discussing them here would change anything. What matters is that I take responsibility for my actions.”
opindia.com
“I live in Madhya Pradesh, whereas he was from Uttar Pradesh. I only liked, commented on, and quoted his post because he is a Rathore. I did not contribute any money to him.”
opindia.com
Shroff Eye Centre
The eye hospital whose letterheads were allegedly misused.
“Alert. It has come to our knowledge that some person/s has created a fake patient, prescription and estimate sheet on our letterheads and is asking NGOs (non-governmental organisations)and individuals on WhatsApp for help. Please be aware and share to prevent people from becoming victims of this deception.”
opindia.com
Sources
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