'Where is Your Shame?': Bengaluru Woman Claims AIIMS Topper Requested ₹50 Crore Dowry From Friend

Bengaluru:  A Bengaluru-based woman, identified as Dr. Phoenix on social media, claimed that her friend was left heartbroken after a topper from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), demanded a dowry of ₹50 crore. According to Dr Phoenix, her friend was in talks for marriage with a man who secured the AIR 1 in the AIIMS entrance exam for MCh in Urology. The friend is also a doctor, currently pursuing an MD in Anesthesia and further specialising with a fellowship in liver transplant anaesthesia in Hyderabad.

Venting out her anger on X, Dr Phoenix, stated, “So, the AIIMS rank 1 Urology MCh candidate is asking for ₹50 crore in dowry from my friend, who is also a doctor. Where is your shame?” She questioned the value of education when a doctor lacks the integrity to support themselves without resorting to dowry demands.

Dr. Phoenix further revealed that her friend had been in tears for hours, explaining that a ₹50 crore dowry would deplete her parents’ entire life savings. Despite the distress, her parents have resigned themselves to the reality that marrying into the Telugu community often entails a substantial dowry.

“I’ve been on the phone with her all morning as she cries. Her parents believe it’s an expectation in the Telugu community that marrying off their daughter requires a dowry, which would wipe out their retirement savings. She also has a younger sister, and they fear facing the same dowry demands for her as well,” Dr Phoenix lamented.

Social Media Users React

Reacting to her post, several netizens shared their experiences. "This is nauseating to read. The guy is a low life", an X user shared. 

Some individuals questioned the credibility of the story, while others sought to rationalise the demand.

“While I agree dowry is wrong, why aren't we considering the difference in branch? Mbbs girls are demanding MD boys. MD girls are demanding DM girls. Don't you fume when you see this? Reverse dowry is also bad,” an X user opined.