Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 23: A Bengaluru software engineer has reportedly lost Rs 48 lac after falling prey to a fraudulent “sexual wellness” treatment, which has also caused kidney damage, the police said.

The suspects—a quack known as Vijay Guruji and the owner of Vijayalakshmi Ayurvedic Shop—are now under investigation.

The Jnanabharathi police registered an FIR on November 22 against the duo following a complaint by the victim.

According to the complaint, the victim, a Bengaluru resident originally from Shivamogga, first consulted doctors at a multi-speciality hospital in Kengeri after experiencing sexual health issues following his marriage in 2023. He was prescribed standard medications after routine tests.

On May 3, 2025, the victim came across an Ayurvedic tent near KLE Law College, advertising a “quick cure” for sexual problems. There, Vijay Guruji claimed to offer a permanent cure through rare Ayurvedic treatments.

After an examination inside the tent, Guruji directed the victim to purchase “Devaraj Booti” from Vijayalakshmi Ayurvedic shop in Yeshwanthpur. Claimed to be sourced from Haridwar, the concoction was sold for Rs 1.6 lac per gram, cash only.

The FIR notes that Guruji later prescribed another medicine, “Bhavana Booti Taila”, costing Rs 76,000 per gram. The victim bought 15 grams for Rs 17 lac, borrowing from his wife and parents.

Further pressured by Guruji to continue the treatment, the victim purchased more Devaraj Booti, taking a bank loan of Rs 20 lac. Additionally, he bought “Devaraj Rasabooti” for Rs 2.6 lac per gram, totalling Rs 10 lac, borrowing from a friend.

Despite spending a total of Rs 48 lac, the victim reported no improvement. Medical tests later revealed kidney damage, which doctors suggested was likely caused by the concoctions. When confronted, Guruji allegedly threatened him, warning that stopping the treatment would worsen his health.

The Jnanabharathi police have registered a case and launched a probe into the matter.