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Baku, the scenic capital of Azerbaijan, was supposed to be the destination for a luxury overseas conference tour. Instead, it became the centerpiece of a massive fraud where 72 doctors were duped of ₹2 crore by a man posing as a tour operator in Mumbai.
The incident unfolded during a Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) event at a five-star hotel in Powai in November 2024, where the accused presented himself as a seasoned event manager.
How the Baku Scam Unfolded
The accused, identified as Sharad Hegde, introduced himself as the founder of IRIS Global Media, claiming he specialized in organizing international tours for medical professionals. With slick presentations and WhatsApp coordination, he gained the trust of the doctors attending the FOGSI event.
- Tour Destination: Baku, Azerbaijan
- Cost Quoted: ₹1.5 lakh per person (including travel, visa, and accommodation)
- Total Amount Collected: ₹2.14 crore from 72 doctors
- Refunds Issued: Only ₹13.10 lakh to a few individuals
Hegde even shared visuals of past trips and set up a dedicated WhatsApp group to coordinate the logistics of the proposed Baku tour.
Fraud Unveiled as Departure Nears
As the supposed departure date approached, participants grew anxious over a lack of tickets and visa confirmations. Hegde gave vague excuses and blamed delays in payments before eventually disappearing.
Realizing they had been cheated, the doctors approached Dadar police station, resulting in an FIR under:
- Section 318(3) – Cheating
- Section 316(2) – Criminal breach of trust (as per Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023)
No arrests have been made yet, but the investigation is underway.
Baku Becomes a Symbol of Betrayal in Mumbai’s Latest Scam
Once associated with promises of international luxury, Baku now symbolizes betrayal for the victims of this travel scam. What was meant to be a celebratory conference abroad has turned into legal paperwork, financial loss, and trust shattered among medical professionals.
What This Means for You
- Verify Travel Operators: Always ensure companies are officially registered and cross-check with previous clients.
- Avoid Group Payments to Unknown Accounts: Individual bookings with verified agencies offer more security.
- Use Government Resources: Check with the Ministry of Tourism and report scams via the National Cybercrime Portal or call 1930.
How to Take Action
- Report suspected scams online via cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact local police immediately if you suspect fraud
- Keep all payment receipts, chat logs, and promotional material for evidence
Who Will Be Affected
- Doctors & Medical Professionals: Confidence in conference-based travel has been shaken
- Legitimate Tour Operators: Must now rebuild trust and implement stricter vetting measures
- Law Enforcement: Under public pressure to trace and arrest the accused
Baku Trip Scam Leaves Behind a Trail of Loss and Distrust
The Baku scam is a stark reminder that even elite professionals are not immune to deceit. For the 72 doctors involved, this incident goes beyond financial loss — it’s a hit to professional dignity and trust. Authorities now face the challenge of bringing the mastermind to justice, while the victims wait, not for a flight, but for closure.
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