‘Cyber expert’ booked for cheating doctor of Rs4.5 crore

Nagpur: A homeopathy doctor was allegedly duped of Rs4.50 crore by a self-styled social media analyst and cyber expert Ajit Parse on the pretext of helping him open a medical college.
A case has been filed against Parse, 42, a resident of Maharshi Manal Apartment, Bhende Layout, in Kotwali police station under various sections including extortion and cheating. “Parse has not been arrested yet as he was not in good health,” said police.
Police said about five years ago, Parse started influencing personalities in the city through social media. During investigation, it came to light that Parse had also allegedly honey trapped at least 8 to 10 eminent persons, including doctors and bureaucrats, and extorted about Rs20 crore from them.
The doctor was introduced to Parse through a relative in 2019. Parse told the doctor he had good contacts in the Prime Minister’s Office and can help him open a college under Niti Aayog, as per police.
Parse then allegedly created a fake email ID in the name of PMO and sent mail to the doctor about release of funds. He also took Rs25 lakh from the doctor as advance. But the funds were not deposited in the doctor’s account, said police.
Police said that meanwhile, Parse also learnt that the doctor was a guarantor in a bank loan. Parse allegedly told the doctor that a complaint has been lodged with CBI against the borrower.
As per the police complaint, Parse also sent a copy of fake CBI warrant to the doctor on WhatsApp and claimed that the agency had issued an arrest warrant against him. He then allegedly extorted around Rs1.50 crore from the doctor in order to get the warrant cancelled. He subsequently threatened the doctor through various means and extorted collectively Rs4.50 crore, said police.
The doctor complained to commissioner of police Amitesh Kumar, who assigned the investigation to the crime branch.
The crime branch raided Parse’s residence. Four laptops, letterheads in the name of various ministers, documents related to the case and cheques, as well as police station stamps were seized from his residence.