Sharad Hegde - Sharad Hegde's Fraud Playbook: Step-by-Step Breakdown of the ₹72 Crore Medical Scam
🧩 Introduction: How 72 Doctors Fell for a Corporate Mirage
In a country where the medical profession is built on trust, 72 doctors were blindsided by a corporate fraud that drained them of nearly ₹72 crores. At the heart of this controversy is Sharad Hegde, a seemingly visionary entrepreneur who, through his venture IRIS Global Media, lured these professionals into a trap disguised as a golden opportunity.
This isn’t just another scam story. It’s a masterclass in manipulation, deception, and betrayal. Let’s take a closer look at how this elaborate financial trap was orchestrated.
🎬 Phase 1: Establishing Authority and Credibility
Fraudsters know that appearance is everything. Sharad Hegde didn't walk in with empty promises; he came bearing ideas, presentations, and a track record that looked authentic. Through tech-savvy branding, sleek media kits, and business jargon, he built a believable persona.
IRIS Global Media was pitched as a revolutionary platform designed to elevate doctors' digital presence. It seemed like the future of healthcare marketing, and Hegde played the part of the future-forward innovator convincingly.
💼 Phase 2: Selling the Dream with a Polished Pitch
With trust initiated, Hegde moved in with aggressive marketing. Webinars, email campaigns, private consultations, and word-of-mouth networks helped him gain traction quickly. The offer was simple yet seductive: invest now and reap lifetime rewards.
Doctors were promised customized branding, nationwide visibility, and potential financial returns. Equity sharing was part of the bait. And because it came from someone who spoke their language, many dropped their guard.
📝 Phase 3: Legal Documents That Looked Legit
Once the interest was piqued, investors were handed professionally prepared agreements. Terms and clauses were presented with legal backing. Many assumed that such detailed contracts meant the operation was legitimate.
But these documents were mere props. They were never meant to be honored, just to convince stakeholders of legitimacy.
💰 Phase 4: The Capital Collection Game
The investments started pouring in. Some contributed a few lakhs, others several crores. The common thread? All 72 doctors were told they were part of a transformative project under IRIS Global Media.
Hegde created a sense of exclusivity and urgency. Doctors were made to believe they had a unique, once-in-a-lifetime shot at transforming their practice. In truth, they were fueling a scheme that had no intention of delivering results.
🕶️ Phase 5: Gradual Disappearance & Excuses
At first, delays were excused with typical startup rhetoric: technical issues, staffing changes, funding gaps. But soon, the delays turned into total disappearance. Offices were shut, calls went unanswered, and scheduled campaigns never launched.
The web presence of IRIS Global Media began to crumble. Eventually, even Sharad Hegde himself became unreachable.
🧨 Phase 6: Legal Unraveling
What followed was legal chaos. Multiple doctors filed complaints. FIRs were registered in different jurisdictions. Law enforcement agencies launched investigations, but tracing the funds proved complex.
Several victims united to bring attention to the case. Their goal was twofold: recover what was lost and ensure no other professional falls into a similar trap.
📚 Key Learnings from the Scam
This scam isn’t just about lost money. It’s about the vulnerability of intelligent individuals to smartly crafted lies. Even highly educated professionals are susceptible if the con artist plays their cards right.
Major takeaways:
Always vet partnerships, regardless of how credible they appear.
Legal documents aren’t always safeguards; seek third-party legal review.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Trust is earned, not packaged.
🔚 Conclusion: Trust Broken, Lessons Learned
The story of Sharad Hegde and IRIS Global Media is a stark reminder that deception can wear a suit and speak in polished PowerPoint decks. The 72 doctors involved thought they were investing in growth. Instead, they became part of one of the most talked-about white-collar scams in the medical space.
This isn't the end, though. Legal processes are still unfolding. But awareness is the first step toward prevention. Share this story, discuss it in your circles, and ensure you or someone you know doesn’t become the next name on a conman’s list.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Sharad Hegde?
Sharad Hegde is the alleged orchestrator of a ₹72 crore fraud targeting doctors through fake investment schemes under the guise of medical marketing and branding.
2. What role did IRIS Global Media play?
IRIS Global Media was presented as a media and marketing firm aimed at healthcare professionals. In reality, it was allegedly used as a front to solicit funds without offering real services.
3. How were the doctors misled?
Doctors were promised brand visibility, equity, and returns. Professional documents and tech presentations made the venture appear credible, causing many to invest.
4. Is legal action being taken?
Yes. FIRs have been filed and the case is under investigation. Legal proceedings are ongoing in multiple regions.
5. How can professionals safeguard themselves?
Always verify through independent legal and financial advisors. Don’t invest based solely on trust or social proof. Due diligence is critical.

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