Ahmedabad, January 19, 2026: In a shocking case of exploitation targeting senior citizens, a 35-year-old school dropout has been arrested in Ahmedabad for allegedly running a sophisticated scam in which elderly victims were conned into paying lakhs of rupees for a fake treatment claiming to remove “toxic blood” from their bodies. The case came to light after vigilant bank staff alerted the police to suspicious financial transactions by a senior citizen, exposing a scheme that preyed on vulnerability, fear, and a lack of awareness among the elderly.

The accused, identified as Mohammad Amjad, a resident of Anta in Rajasthan’s Baran district, has been implicated in a wider network of fraudsters posing as doctors, physiotherapists, and medical assistants. Police investigations revealed that the gang specifically targeted elderly individuals with mobility issues, convincing them that their pain, stiffness, or difficulty in walking was caused by the presence of “black blood” in their system. According to the scam, the removal of these so-called toxic blood cells could restore mobility and alleviate their ailments. The gang charged victims ₹7,000 for each drop of blood allegedly extracted.

According to officials, the scheme was meticulously orchestrated. “They approached elderly persons who lived alone and had difficulty walking. The accused and his associates would meet potential victims at markets, hospitals, religious places, and other public areas and make elaborate claims about this treatment,” said a senior officer from Ahmedabad’s Cyber Crime Branch.

The scam came to light when a bank manager at the Drive-in Road branch of a public sector bank noticed unusual transactions. A senior citizen had withdrawn a large sum of money over two consecutive days from a fixed deposit account. Suspicious of the unusually large cash withdrawals, the bank staff reported the matter to the branch manager, who promptly alerted the Cyber Crime Branch.

Police teams acted swiftly, reviewing CCTV footage from the bank and the surrounding area. They observed a man surveilling the elderly customer during his transactions, prompting immediate police action. The suspect was detained, and preliminary questioning revealed the fraudulent operations. “The total amount recovered from this particular case was approximately ₹6.7 lakh,” the official added.

During questioning, Mohammad Amjad reportedly admitted that the gang strategically targeted senior citizens who lived alone and faced mobility challenges. He revealed that victims were lured into believing that their suffering was caused by a dangerous accumulation of black blood. Once convinced, the so-called doctors would visit the victim’s residence to carry out the “treatment,” during which they drew blood under the pretense of extracting toxic components. Victims were charged ₹7,000 for each drop, a fee purportedly based on the severity of their condition and the number of drops extracted.

The gang also employed surveillance tactics, closely monitoring the victim’s daily movements and financial transactions to ensure continued access to funds. In the case uncovered by Ahmedabad police, the accused reportedly first persuaded the victim to withdraw ₹4 lakh, followed by an additional withdrawal of ₹2.7 lakh, all under the guise of covering the ongoing treatment.

Investigators noted that the accused’s formal education ended at Class 6, highlighting that sophisticated scams do not necessarily require advanced academic knowledge but rely on psychological manipulation, confidence, and opportunistic targeting of vulnerable populations.

The police are currently pursuing leads to apprehend the other members of the gang, which included individuals posing as an engineer, a doctor, and a medical assistant. Officials warned that the gang’s operations were highly organized, with roles clearly defined to build credibility and exploit trust among victims. The accused and his collaborators reportedly convinced victims that these specialized roles and tools were necessary for the removal of toxic blood, further enhancing the illusion of legitimacy.

Social reactions have been strong, with widespread concern over the exploitation of elderly individuals. Experts have emphasized the need for increased awareness and vigilance among senior citizens and their families. “Elderly people, especially those living alone or facing health challenges, are particularly vulnerable to scams that promise miraculous cures. Families need to educate them about the risks and encourage them to verify any treatment before committing money,” said a cybersecurity consultant familiar with similar frauds.

The case also underscores the crucial role of banking personnel in detecting financial irregularities and preventing scams. By noticing unusual withdrawal patterns and reporting them to authorities, the bank staff played a pivotal role in halting further losses. “The alertness of bank staff and prompt action by the Cyber Crime Branch were instrumental in recovering the funds and apprehending the accused,” said the police official.

Authorities have advised the public, particularly the elderly and their caregivers, to remain cautious of unsolicited health treatments offered in public spaces. Claims of miraculous cures, especially those involving high fees and at-home procedures, should be treated with skepticism. Police have urged citizens to report any suspicious offers immediately to local authorities.

Mohammad Amjad’s arrest is only the beginning of what police describe as an ongoing investigation. Officers are working to identify and apprehend the remaining gang members, dismantle the fraudulent network, and examine whether similar scams were carried out against other victims in the region. Cyber Crime Branch officials have emphasized that the gang’s activities likely span multiple districts, and additional cases may come to light as investigations proceed.

This case highlights the complex interplay of psychological manipulation, financial exploitation, and social engineering employed by modern criminal networks. While technological tools and social media have made information more accessible, they have also provided fraudsters with new avenues to target vulnerable individuals. Authorities have called for increased public awareness campaigns, community support for the elderly, and stricter monitoring of suspicious activities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the arrest of Mohammad Amjad in Ahmedabad for running the so-called “toxic blood” scam sheds light on the vulnerability of senior citizens to sophisticated cons promising miraculous cures. With ₹6.7 lakh recovered and further investigations underway, the case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, transparency, and coordinated action by both authorities and society to protect the elderly from such predatory schemes. Police continue to urge citizens to report suspicious activities immediately and are committed to bringing all members of the gang to justice.