Published Nov 06, 2026 | 10:39 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 06, 2026 | 10:46 AM
The Delhi-based practitioner runs an online wellness brand and has gained popularity on Instagram for her touted beauty and weight-loss treatments.
Synopsis: Karnataka Health Department officials raided a Bengaluru five-star hotel following allegations that a Delhi-based practitioner planned to administer fat-dissolving injections and aesthetic treatments without proper authorisation. Authorities seized supplements and an empty injectable product carton. The practitioner’s medical qualifications, registration, and product approvals are under investigation following an IADVL complaint.
Karnataka Health Department officials raided a five-star hotel on Richmond Road in Bengaluru on November 5, following a complaint against a Delhi-based practitioner who was allegedly scheduled to administer injectable fat-loss treatments and perform various aesthetic procedures on the premises.
The complaint was filed by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) the same day.
In a statement to the press, Health Minister U.T. Khader said a team comprising drug control authorities, Health Department officials, and police personnel found weight-loss capsules, collagen products, and other supplements on the premises, along with an empty carton of Lipo Lab PPC, a fat-dissolving injectable product. He noted that the carton did not carry the mandatory CDSCO import or manufacturing licence number.
Further investigation is underway into the qualifications and registration of those involved, as well as the source of the seized products.
In an urgent complaint seeking immediate intervention from the District Health Officer (DHO), Bengaluru Urban, and drug control authorities, IADVL alleged that Dr Mansi Sareen was scheduled to conduct an aesthetic procedure at the hotel around noon on November 5.
Expressing concern, the association argued that a hotel does not become an authorised clinical establishment merely by hosting a medical or aesthetic event. Citing the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, IADVL emphasised that invasive injectable procedures require an appropriate clinical environment, infection-control measures, emergency preparedness, and the capability to manage complications. It urged the Health Department to determine the legal status of the premises and the proposed treatment arrangements.
The complaint stated that a registration number, A 8346, of the Delhi Dental Council had been circulated in connection with Sareen’s name. IADVL said it had not been able to establish whether she held valid registration as a medical practitioner with the National Medical Commission or any State Medical Council.
The association sought verification of her primary medical qualification, claims regarding postgraduate qualification in dermatology, current registration, and training to perform the specific procedures advertised on her Instagram profile.
The association also questioned the identity and regulatory status of the injectable material. A product cannot be treated as a cosmetic supply simply because it is marketed as one if it is intended to be injected, the complaint stated. IADVL asked authorities to examine the product’s composition, manufacturer, country of origin, CDSCO approvals, import or manufacturing licences, batch and expiry details, storage conditions, and supply chain.
The association attached a CDSCO notice stating that products supplied in the form of injectable preparations do not fall under the definition of cosmetics. The notice warned of the regulatory implications of marketing injectable preparations as cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. It addressed growing concerns surrounding the promotion of glutathione “glow drips,” skin boosters, and other injectable treatments marketed as beauty services.
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The Delhi-based practitioner runs an online wellness brand and has gained popularity on Instagram for her touted beauty and weight-loss treatments. Through her Instagram handle, @roohbymannsi, Sareen had advertised her visit to Bengaluru, promoting several aesthetic treatments at discounts of up to 50 per cent.
Her earlier Instagram account, which had more than 50,000 followers and promoted what she described as the “fastest weight and inch loss program with Rooh,” was suspended by Instagram. She subsequently created a new account, informing followers of the suspension and directing them to her new handle, where she continued promoting her Bengaluru visit.
However, videos previously posted on her account, including one demonstrating “How to use Rooh Melt,” are no longer available. In that video, she had allegedly promoted an injectable product that patients could administer themselves for what she described as “instant fat loss.” A prospective patient who had contacted Sareen –and later shared details with doctors associated with IADVL on condition of anonymity– said the approximate charges quoted were Rs 45,000-50,000 per treatment area, including facial and abdominal fat reduction.
Sareen had promoted the proposed aesthetic treatments through her Instagram account and WhatsApp status. She told patients who directly messaged her for details that the procedures would be conducted inside a room at the five-star hotel. She also shared a poster thanking those who had registered and announcing that bookings were full.
According to information shared with the association, Sareen had allegedly instructed patients to arrive at the hotel reception and call her, after which she would direct them to the room where the treatments were to take place.
However, when a team of authorities led by District Health Officer Dr. Syed Sirajuddin Madani raided the hotel, Sareen told them that she had brought only a few nutraceutical products to show clients and intended to offer counselling, after which patients would be asked to travel to Delhi for treatment. Sources said she acknowledged that she was not a dermatologist and claimed to be an MBBS doctor.
The injection pens were not found on the premises; however, an empty carton was recovered. The seized products have been sent for further examination. Speaking to South First, Dr. Madani said Sareen’s credentials were being verified.
“She claims to be registered with the Delhi Medical Council. As per the law, she cannot practise in Karnataka without the necessary authorisation. We will write to the Medical Council seeking information about her credentials and take further action,” Dr. Madani said. Following the raid, Sareen reportedly left the hotel and asked those who had come for the treatment to meet her during the next visit.
Unapproved fat-dissolving injections can pose serious health risks. In December 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers about unapproved fat-dissolving injections being marketed and administered at clinics, medical spas, and through online platforms.
Speaking to South First, dermatologists in Bengaluru raised similar concerns, pointing out that injectable weight-loss products and aesthetic treatments are increasingly being offered at beauty parlours, dental clinics, and other establishments, often by individuals without appropriate qualifications or training.
“These treatments, if performed by unqualified professionals, can cause serious damage-not just to the skin, but also putting lives at risk. There have been several cases of people suffering permanent scars, loss of eyesight, skin deformities, serious infections, and even death,” said Dr Rajetha Damishetty, chairperson of IADVL’s Anti-Quackery Committee.
Dr. Sahana Karthik, founder of Derma Glow Clinic, said she frequently encountered patients seeking corrective treatment after cosmetic procedures have gone wrong.
“Many patients unfortunately come to me after treatments have gone wrong. Some have botched Botox procedures, permanent burns on the face, damage near the eyes, and other complications. We have been seeing dentists performing or prescribing several such cosmetic procedures, including fillers, Botox, and HIFU. It really pains me to see them playing with patients’ lives,” she told South First.
Urging people not to fall for such treatments, Health Minister Khader said, “I urge people not to fall for aesthetic treatments offered in hotels, homes, or temporary camps. Take any injection or treatment only from qualified doctors at registered hospitals or clinics, and report such activities to the Health Department immediately.”
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
