Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: The Mapusa JMFC Court has granted bail to a 24-year-old Maharashtra resident arrested in connection with an alleged online appointment fraud targeting people seeking medical consultations at Goa Medical College (GMC).
The accused, identified as Sumit Rajesh Ingole from Amravati, was taken into custody by Porvorim Police on November 3 in connection with a reported fraud involving ₹1,93,096.
The case originated from a complaint that led to the registration of an FIR on October 12, 2026. The complainants alleged that an attempt to arrange a doctor’s appointment at GMC turned into a financial scam, with the victims being threatened and persuaded to transfer money into several bank accounts.
Police subsequently tracked Ingole to Amravati with assistance from local authorities. According to investigators, he allegedly arranged an ATM card and a SIM card in exchange for ₹10,000 and sent both by train to a person known as “Pinta”. Police further alleged that he did not cooperate with the investigation and declined to surrender his mobile phone.
Seeking to oppose bail, the prosecution maintained that the accused’s continued custody was necessary to investigate the financial transactions, obtain electronic evidence and identify other individuals who may have participated in the operation. His residence outside Goa was also cited as a reason for concern over his availability during the investigation.
However, advocate Salil Lawande, appearing for Ingole, argued that his client had not figured as a named accused in the original FIR and had no previous criminal cases against him. The defence maintained that investigators could pursue the financial and digital evidence without requiring further custodial interrogation.
In granting relief, the court noted that the precise extent of Ingole’s involvement in the alleged operation would have to be determined during the trial. It also found that the remaining investigative steps, including examination of banking records and tracing financial transactions, did not necessarily require his continued detention.
The court further observed that apprehensions about the accused leaving Goa could be addressed through appropriate conditions rather than using them as grounds to deny bail.
Ingole has been ordered to be released upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹20,000 and one surety for an equivalent amount. The bail order does not amount to a finding on his guilt, and the allegations will be examined during the judicial proceedings.
