NewKerala.com

Key Points

Renowned oncologist Dr V.P. Gangadharan has been targeted by an unusual extortion attempt involving a threatening letter demanding Rs 8.25 lakh. The letter, which arrived with a German postal seal, claimed to be from a group called 'Citizens For Justice' and threatened harm to his family. Dr Gangadharan promptly reported the incident to local authorities, believing it might be part of a broader scheme targeting medical professionals. The Kerala Police Cyber Cell has now been engaged to investigate this serious and mysterious threat.

Key Points: Top Oncologist Dr Gangadharan Faces Extortion Death Threat

  • Threatening letter claims connection to fictitious 'Citizens For Justice' group
  • German-postmarked extortion note demands money with family harm warning
  • Cyber Cell police unit now investigating unusual threat
  • Respected oncologist alerts authorities about potential broader racket
2 min read

Renowned oncologist Dr Gangadharan receives death threat, files police complaint

Renowned cancer specialist Dr V.P. Gangadharan files police complaint after receiving threatening letter demanding Rs 8.25 lakh from Germany

"I received it from Germany, or at least that's what the postal seal indicated - Dr V.P. Gangadharan"

Kochi, June 4

Dr V.P. Gangadharan, one of India’s leading cancer specialists, has filed a police complaint after receiving a threatening letter demanding Rs 8.25 lakh and warning of harm to his family if the money was not paid.

The letter, which reportedly arrived by post on May 17, bore a German postal seal. After initially considering ignoring it, Dr Gangadharan submitted the letter to local authorities two days later.

He told IANS that he was deeply disturbed by the threat and had no idea who could be behind it.

“It came in the form of a letter, demanding Rs 8.25 lakh. It warned that if the money wasn’t paid, the lives of my entire family would be in danger,” said Dr Gangadharan, known for his soft-spoken demeanor and dedication to patients.

“I received it from Germany, or at least that’s what the postal seal indicated,” he added.

He said that the letter claimed to be from an organisation named ‘Citizens For Justice’, allegedly based in Mumbai.

It accused him of being responsible for the death of a young female patient and claimed her mother died by suicide afterwards.

“I searched my records but couldn’t find any such case. I also alerted the hospitals I work with,” said the veteran medical cancer specialist, currently attached to two leading hospitals in Kochi.

“Initially, I thought of ignoring it, but then I realised it could be a racket targeting doctors. Others may have received similar letters,” he said.

Dr Gangadharan said the Cyber Cell of the local police is now involved in the investigation.

S. Sreejith, Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) and head of the Cyber Wing in Kerala, told IANS that he had not yet been informed of the complaint, but added: “Now that it has come to my notice, we will examine the matter seriously.”

Dr Gangadharan is widely regarded as one of the top oncologists in the country and is deeply respected by his peers and patients alike.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is absolutely shocking! Dr Gangadharan saved my aunt's life last year. How dare someone threaten such a noble doctor? Kerala police must catch these criminals fast. Hope they strengthen his security too.
R
Rahul M.
German postal seal but Mumbai-based organization? Sounds like some international scam operation targeting Indian doctors. The cyber cell should trace the IP addresses. Doctors already have enough stress without these threats 😡
A
Anjali S.
My heart goes out to Dr Gangadharan. Cancer treatment is emotionally draining for doctors too. Instead of threatening them, we should be grateful for their service. The 'Citizens For Justice' name sounds fake - probably extortionists.
V
Vikram P.
This is why many good doctors are leaving India. First fake cases against them, now death threats. The government should create special protection for medical professionals. 8.25 lakh seems like a very specific amount - could be someone who knows his financial situation?
S
Sunita R.
As someone whose family member was treated by Dr Gangadharan, this news breaks my heart 💔 He's the kindest doctor I've met. Police should check if other oncologists received similar letters. Could be a pattern targeting cancer specialists specifically.
K
Karthik N.
While this threat is unacceptable, it does highlight the need for better doctor-patient communication. Many families don't understand that cancer can be unpredictable. Hospitals should have counselors to help families cope with loss. But threatening doctors is never the solution!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50