‘Blood Money’ In Bitcoin: Kerala Oncologist Gets Threat Letter Over Patient’s Death

Last Updated:June 04, 2025, 14:32 IST

Famed oncologist Dr VP Gangadharan received a chilling letter from 'Citizens for Justice' demanding Bitcoin and threatening harm over alleged medical negligence

The sender of the threatening letter warns that failure to comply will endanger the lives of Dr Gangadharan and his family. (News18)

A leading oncologist in Kerala has become the target of an extortion attempt after receiving a chilling letter that accuses him of medical negligence and demands a ransom in cryptocurrency. Dr VP Gangadharan, one of the most respected cancer specialists in the state, approached the police after the letter, postmarked anonymously, arrived at his residence on May 17.

Claiming to be from an organisation called ‘Citizens for Justice’ based in Mumbai, the letter alleges that a young girl died under Dr Gangadharan’s care and that her mother, devastated by the loss, died by suicide. The group further claims that the girl’s father reached out to them for redress.

Alongside the allegations, the sender demanded Rs 8.25 lakh to be paid in Bitcoin, attaching a QR code and a digital payment link for the transaction. The note warned that non-compliance would endanger the lives of the doctor and his family — a threat that prompted immediate police involvement.

“I do not remember treating any such case, and the letter provides no specifics. It seemed suspicious right away," Dr Gangadharan told The New Indian Express. “There was no proper sender address, only payment details. I’m not sure if other doctors have received similar messages."

The Kochi City Police have registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to criminal intimidation, extortion, and threats involving grievous harm or death.

The Cyber Cell has launched a parallel investigation to trace the source of the cryptocurrency wallet and QR code, while the Postal Department is examining the envelope and markings to identify the origin of the letter.

Authorities believe this could be part of a wider scam targeting high-profile individuals and are urging others in the medical community to remain vigilant.

Location :

Kochi [Cochin], India, India

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News india ‘Blood Money’ In Bitcoin: Kerala Oncologist Gets Threat Letter Over Patient’s Death