For four decades, 60-year-old Ramesh (name changed) nurtured flowers under the harsh sun, hoping to secure a solid future for his only daughter. But in March this year, the Rs 51 lakh he painstakingly saved for a “special seat” at a top medical college vanished, along with the con man's facilitator whom he gave it to. An FIR was registered at Sir JJ Marg police station on April 4, and the Crime Branch is now investigating. But the ageing flower seller has already learned the most painful lesson: conmen have no conscience.

The 60-year-old flower seller continues working through pain and debt, determined to see his daughter wear a doctor’s coat. Representation pic/istock

According to Ramesh, more than one person was involved in the scam. He suspects the participation of individuals posing as JJ Hospital staff. “The main man came in a Mercedes-Benz, wearing a gold bracelet and a thick gold chain. It all looked very legitimate,” he recalled. After the scam was exposed, another man from the group visited Ramesh’s home, trying to pacify him and promise repayment. But when Ramesh warned him not to cheat poor families, the man replied chillingly: “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Do whatever you want. Nothing and no one can touch us. At most, I’ll go to jail — and once I’m out, I’ll restart the business as usual.”