Police in Bhopal have uncovered a shocking case of fraud in which a well-known dermatologist was allegedly conned out of Rs 10 lakh after being promised a "backdoor entry" into the hit reality television show Bigg Boss, hosted by Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
The victim, Dr Abhineet Gupta, is a skin specialist and owner of the Poison Skin Clinic in the Madhya Pradesh capital. According to investigators, the incident dates back to 2022, when Dr Gupta became acquainted with a man named Karan Singh.
Introducing himself as an event director, Singh claimed to have strong connections with several major production houses. According to media reports, he allegedly told the doctor that he could use these contacts to secure him a place in Bigg Boss.
Enticed by the prospect of appearing on one of India’s most high-profile reality shows, Dr Gupta agreed to the arrangement and transferred Rs 10 lakh to Singh. However, when the official list of contestants for the season was announced, the doctor’s name was not on it.
On questioning, Singh reportedly reassured Dr Gupta that his entry would take place later in the season as a wildcard contestant. Weeks turned into months, but the promised appearance never materialised.
As the programme neared its finale, Dr Gupta pressed Singh for a refund. Singh allegedly resorted to stalling tactics, making repeated false assurances, before eventually avoiding all contact. His mobile phone was later found to be switched off, and attempts to trace him proved unsuccessful.
Feeling deceived, Dr Gupta lodged a formal complaint at the local police station. Based on his statement, a case of cheating under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code was registered against Karan Singh.
According to a report in Aaj Tak, the accused is currently on the run, and police have launched a manhunt. Authorities are also examining whether Singh has carried out similar scams, targeting other victims by exploiting their aspirations for fame.
Senior officers have suggested that the fraud appears to have been a premeditated scheme, using the lure of the entertainment industry to trap unsuspecting professionals.
Gupta also filed a complaint in Mumbai's Oshiwara Police Station recently.
Bigg Boss, known for its celebrity contestants, dramatic confrontations, and high TRP ratings, has often been at the centre of controversies.
The 19th season of the show is all set to begin from August 24.
