Ahmedabad LCB arrests duo who posed as patients, stole ₹5 lakh from Vadaj clinic

The Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Zone 1, Ahmedabad City, has arrested two men who allegedly posed as patients at a clinic in the Vadaj area and stole ₹5 lakh in cash from the consulting room after distracting the doctor’s elderly parents.

According to police, the incident occurred on November 30 at Harshita Acharya Health Centre, located opposite Harsiddh Chambers near the Income Tax Office. The accused — identified as Rajkumar Vasudevprasad Sharma and Brijkishore Baburam Srivas, both originally from Madhya Pradesh and currently residing in Chandkheda and New Vadaj — allegedly entered the clinic pretending to seek treatment.

One of them feigned severe back pain and engaged the doctor’s father, Pravinbhai Tulsidas Acharya, in conversation. He reportedly asked about the wristwatch the elderly man was wearing and requested to examine it, placing it on the table while continuing to talk. Police said the accused then pointed to a drawer where cash was kept and distracted Pravinbhai by placing a handkerchief over it. In the meantime, his accomplice allegedly took out ₹5 lakh in cash and left the premises.

The second accused reportedly walked out moments later, before the family realised that the money had been stolen.

The complaint was filed by Harshit Acharya, the doctor running the clinic, who stated that both his parents were present at the time of the incident. Based on technical analysis, human intelligence and CCTV footage, the Zone 1 LCB initiated a search for the suspects, traced them and apprehended the duo.

The police have recovered a car worth ₹3 lakh, cash amounting to ₹1.50 lakh, and three mobile phones valued at ₹78,000, totalling ₹5.28 lakh in seized property.

Officials said the arrested men worked as colour painters by profession and were habitual offenders. Investigators are now examining whether they have carried out similar frauds elsewhere in the city.

A case under BNS Sections lurking house-trespass has been registered at Vadaj Police Station. Further investigation is under way. ‎