Surat: A homeopath from the city was allegedly cheated of Rs 9.17 lakh by a patient, who promised him 5% monthly returns if he invested in a gaming app. The victim invested Rs 9.17 lakh in tranches between Aug 2025 and April 2026. When he asked for his principal and profits, the accused allegedly refused to pay and later threatened him. Amroli police have booked the accused and started an investigation. Vijay Kothari, 42, has a BHMS degree and has been running Krishna Clinic in the Varachha area for the last 10 years. Three years ago, a patient named Lalit Gangani started coming to his clinic. As Gangani made several more visits after that, he developed a friendship with Kothari. Gangani then offered Kothari an investment opportunity. In Aug, Gangani went to Kothari’s house for a meeting. He told Kothari that he had invested in a gaming application called ‘All Panel’ and was getting good returns. He told Kothari that he could get a 5% monthly return if he invested. Kothari first transferred Rs 47,500 to a bank account specified by Gangani. He then invested Rs 19,000 more. As Gangani pressed him to invest more through frequent calls, Kothari transferred Rs 1.01 lakh, Rs 7.29 lakh and Rs 20,000. In all, he transferred Rs 9.17 lakh. When Kothari asked for his returns, Gangani allegedly began making excuses. When he pressed him for his profits and the principal, Gangani allegedly threatened him and refused to return the money. Kothari then contacted Amroli police and filed a cheating complaint.
