Mumbai Homeopath Arrested for Illegal Ear Surgeries in Chennai
Police in Chennai have arrested a Mumbai based homeopath who was allegedly performing illegal ear surgeries in Chennai from a hotel room. The woman, along with her assistant, was taken into custody after health officials received complaints that cosmetic ear procedures were being carried out without proper medical qualifications or licensed facilities.
Authorities say the case highlights growing concerns about unregulated cosmetic procedures being promoted through social media.
Hotel Room Turned Into a Make-Shift Clinic
According to investigators, Poonam Sharma, 54, runs a homeopathy clinic in Nariman Point, Mumbai. However, officials claim she travelled to Chennai and converted a room at a hotel on Kodambakkam High Road in Nungambakkam into a temporary clinic.
There, she allegedly performed earlobe repair procedures, medically known as auroplasty. This procedure is usually done to repair torn ear lobes caused by heavy earrings, trauma, or previous piercings.
Health officials say such procedures must be carried out by trained medical professionals in approved medical facilities. Performing them in hotel rooms raises serious concerns about sterility, patient safety, and emergency preparedness.
Social Media Popularity Drew Attention
Investigators said Sharma had built a following on Instagram through an account dedicated to ear hole repair treatments. The page reportedly had more than 10,000 followers and featured over 800 promotional videos showcasing the procedure.
However, medical associations became concerned after noticing that the procedures were being marketed widely online. As a result, several organisations filed a complaint alleging that she was conducting surgical treatments without proper qualifications or state permission.
This complaint eventually triggered the investigation into illegal ear surgeries in Chennai.
Health Officials Conduct Surprise Inspection
After receiving the complaint, a medical inspection team led by Dr Meenakshi Sundari, Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, conducted a surprise check at the hotel.
During the inspection, officials found Sharma and her assistant Shilpa, 44, who lives in Chennai’s Elephant Gate area. Police said the team discovered that the hotel room had been arranged to perform cosmetic procedures.
Further inquiry revealed that Sharma had visited Chennai three times last year, staying in different hotels while offering similar treatments to clients.
Legal Action Taken by Police
Following the raid, Teynampet police registered a case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Section 15(3) of the Medical Council Act, which restricts unqualified individuals from practising modern medicine or performing surgical procedures.
Both accused were later produced before a magistrate and have been remanded in judicial custody.
Officials say the investigation is continuing, and more details about the patients who underwent procedures may emerge.
Why Unauthorised Cosmetic Procedures Are Risky
Medical experts warn that procedures such as auroplasty may appear simple, but they still require proper surgical training and sterile conditions.
If performed improperly, patients can face complications such as:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Permanent scarring
- Nerve damage
- Poor cosmetic results requiring corrective surgery
Therefore, doctors strongly advise the public to undergo cosmetic procedures only at licensed medical clinics and hospitals.
Conclusion
The arrest linked to illegal ear surgeries in Chennai has once again raised questions about medical treatments being advertised through social media without regulatory oversight.
Health authorities urge patients to verify a practitioner’s qualifications and the facility’s registration before undergoing any cosmetic or surgical procedure. Even minor treatments can become dangerous when performed outside a proper medical setting.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
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.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 8 March 2026
- 13:00
