Rs 26,500 Lost! Fake Hotel Booking Shocks Doctor
Dr. Mannan Gupta, Chairman of Elantis Healthcare, planned a short trip to Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram, also known as Kainchi Dham near Nainital, to begin the new year with positivity. Unfortunately, what started as a peaceful retreat turned into a distressing experience when the hotel he booked did not exist.
The Search for a Perfect Stay
Dr. Gupta began his search for accommodations close to the ashram. Among the options, he found a moderately priced listing named “Kainchi Dham Ashram” that seemed ideal. According to him, “The rooms looked simple, and the price was reasonable. I wanted to book two rooms.”
The hotel staff claimed the property was located inside the Neem Karoli temple compound, which further reassured him. He was given bank details to make an advance payment.
Red Flags and Payment Issues
Dr. Gupta initially paid Rs 13,050 via NEFT. However, the hotel employee later insisted that the payment had not been received, even after Gupta provided transaction proof and screenshots. The employee then requested the payment be made again via UPI, promising to refund the NEFT amount.
Hoping to resolve the issue, Dr. Gupta transferred Rs 13,450 through UPI. However, after receiving the second payment, the employee became unresponsive. Repeated calls from Dr. Gupta and his accountant went unanswered.
A Harsh Realization
Eventually, Dr. Gupta discovered that the hotel did not exist and realized he had been scammed. “He stopped taking my calls… After trying to contact him for a day, it became clear this was a fraud,” he said.
Filing a Complaint
Dr. Gupta lodged a formal complaint on the cybercrime portal. Upon investigation, police revealed that the fraudulent operation was being conducted from Meerut. “We are investigating the case and pursuing all leads,” stated DCP (South East) Ravi Kumar Singh.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder to exercise caution when making online bookings. Cross-checking details, verifying authenticity, and avoiding direct payments without established safeguards can help prevent such scams.
As investigations continue, Dr. Gupta hopes his experience will encourage others to be more vigilant and avoid similar mishaps.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
