Bengaluru techie uses Rs 48 lakh ‘Ayurvedic' herbs to improve sexual health, suffers kidney damage

The Ayurvedic 'guruji' allegedly told the techie that discontinuing the treatment would cause severe complications. (AI-generated image)

A 29-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru has accused a self-styled Ayurvedic healer and a medicine shop of cheating him of Rs 48 lakh by selling costly herbal products that allegedly worsened his health and led to kidney damage.

The complainant, employed at a private firm for three years, said he developed sexual health issues soon after his marriage in March 2023, The Times of India reported. While seeking treatment at a multispeciality hospital in Kengeri, he noticed a roadside Ayurvedic tent near a law college in Ullal on May 3, advertising “quick solution for sexual problems.”

Curious, he approached the tent and met a man who promised a fast cure through a healer named ‘Vijay Guruji.’ Later that evening, Vijay examined him and claimed that a rare herb called "devaraj booti" would resolve his issues. Vijay directed him to buy the medicine from Vijayalakshmi Ayurvedic shop in Yeshwanthpur, insisting it was sourced from Haridwar and priced at Rs 1.6 lakh per gram—cash only.

The victim initially purchased the herb and later paid Rs 17 lakh for 15 grams of an oil called Bhavana Booti Thaila at Rs 76,000 per gram. Pressured by Vijay’s warnings that discontinuing treatment would cause severe complications, he borrowed from his wife and parents, then took a Rs 20 lakh bank loan to buy more devaraj booti. Eventually, he paid another Rs 10 lakh for four grams of Devaraj Rasabooti at Rs 2.6 lakh per gram.

Despite spending Rs 48 lakh in total, his condition did not improve. A fresh medical check-up revealed kidney complications, which he alleges resulted from consuming the herbal products. When he refused further purchases, Vijay reportedly threatened him daily, claiming incomplete treatment would harm him.

Speaking to The Times of India, deputy commissioner of police (South-West) Anitha B Haddannavar said the case’s gravity prompted orders to clear all roadside Ayurvedic tents. Jnanabarathi police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 123 (causing hurt by poison), 316 (criminal breach of trust), and 318 (cheating). Efforts are underway to trace Vijay, the shop owner, and the accomplice who introduced the victim to the healer.