A fundraising appeal seeking money for a minor girl’s eye surgery has triggered a scam controversy on social media after a Delhi-based eye hospital flagged the medical documents shared with the appeal as allegedly fake.
The fundraiser, shared on X on September 21, claimed that a 12-year-old girl was suffering from serious eye conditions and needed money for further treatment. The appeal included photographs of medical documents and an Aadhaar card and urged people to contribute even small amounts.
Within around 24 hours, the fundraiser reportedly collected more than Rs 1.5 lakh. The payment details were later removed after the person behind the appeal said that the family had received more money than required.
The controversy began after Shroff Eye Centre issued a public warning stating that someone had allegedly created a fake patient record, prescription and treatment estimate using the hospital’s letterheads and was approaching individuals and NGOs for financial assistance.
The issue subsequently gained traction on X, with users questioning the authenticity of the fundraiser and the medical documents. The person behind the appeal also joined lengthy X Spaces to respond to questions from users and donors.
During the discussions, he reportedly acknowledged using his sister’s name in the appeal and gave a different explanation for the financial requirement, saying the money was needed because his father was unwell. He reportedly described the incident as a mistake and said some of the money had been returned.
Screenshots claiming to show refunds were also shared online, although these have not been independently verified.
The incident continues to be discussed on social media, while the available information does not independently establish every allegation surrounding the fundraiser.
