Indore, Madhya Pradesh | August 7, 2025
What began as a simple loan request has spiraled into one of Indore’s most talked–about fraud and intimidation cases. A receptionist at a private hospital, Manisha Saket — who also went by the alias Divya Bharti — is now at the center of a legal storm that has shaken patients, colleagues, and the wider community.
Originally from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Manisha held a trusted position at the hospital front desk — a role meant to reassure patients. But according to police, she used that very trust to deceive. In August 2025, she allegedly borrowed ₹2,00,000 from Pankaj Chakrade, promising quick repayment. Weeks turned into months, and when repeated reminders failed, Pankaj realized he had been duped. He approached the police, who registered a case of cheating under IPC Section 420.
But the story didn’t end there. Instead of facing the law, Manisha allegedly escalated the situation. Pankaj soon began receiving threatening phone calls — pressure tactics to silence him and withdraw his case. Investigators say the threats were not random. Manisha had allegedly drawn in three men — Rahul Panjwani, Danish Khan, and Lokesh Kothre — to intimidate the complainant.
The investigation led police to an unexpected hotspot: Bhatia Mobile Shop in Tower Square, where the accused allegedly gathered to plan the threats. The shop, run by Yash Bhatia, is now being scrutinized for its role in the conspiracy, with suspicions that it doubled as a coordination hub for illegal activities.
Court documents confirm the seriousness of the case. The matter is currently pending in the District and Sessions Court, Indore. The case — RCS B, Civil Suit Class-B, Filing No. 7207/2024 — was first heard on August 12, 2024, and is next scheduled for hearing on March 17, 2025 before the 65-XVII Civil Judge, Senior Division.
As word spread, more voices joined the chorus of accusations. Several victims — many of them patients — have stepped forward, alleging that Manisha repeatedly exploited their vulnerability, weaving emotional stories to borrow money and then refusing repayment. Some even say they were threatened into silence.
The Aerodrome Police Station has now booked all four accused under IPC Sections 420 and 506, with investigators signaling that criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B) and provisions of the Information Technology Act may soon be added, depending on digital evidence. Teams are reviewing call records, bank transfers, CCTV footage, and online chats to uncover the full scale of the fraud.
Meanwhile, the revelations have triggered a wider debate about responsibility within private hospitals. How could such behavior go unnoticed? Were there ignored complaints? And why wasn’t stricter background verification in place for staff dealing directly with patients?
“This is more than a personal dispute,” said a source close to the investigation. “It looks like a systematic fraud operation hiding behind a hospital receptionist’s smile.”
For now, all accused remain out on conditional bail. But as the next court date approaches, Indore waits to see whether this case will expose an organized network of financial fraud — or fade into another half-forgotten scandal.
Police have issued a public appeal, urging anyone who has loaned money to Manisha or faced intimidation from her associates to come forward. Every report, they say, will be treated with complete confidentiality.
