Jay Singh Rathore Crowdfunding Row: Independent Journalist's Attempt To Meet X User Fails After Fake Medical Appeal Scam
Independent journalist Madan Mohan Soni's meeting with Jay Singh Rathore in Agra fell through after Rathore became unreachable. Rathore faces intense backlash after admitting he fabricated a medical crowdfunding appeal for his sister to cover his father's medical expenses, prompting hospital alerts and demands for full refunds.
Independent journalist Madan Mohan Soni said on Thursday, September 24, that he waited about half an hour for a scheduled meeting with Jay Singh Rathore in Bah, Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, but the phones of Rathore and his father were switched off after initially ringing. Soni, who had publicly announced the meeting the previous evening, reported that Rathore then blocked incoming calls.
Soni had posted earlier that day that he was on his way to meet Rathore, referring to him as a "scammer". The planned meeting followed Rathore’s public statement in an X (formerly Twitter) Space that the two would work together to resolve the matter. Jay Singh Rathore Crowdfunding Row: X User Accused of Raising Over INR 1.5 Lakh Using Fake Hospital Papers; Issues Apology.
Journalist Madan Mohan Soni Shares Call Logs
I waited for half an hour but the phone of @Jayrathore9068 and its father are switched off.
Both phones rang first then his father switched off the phone and Jay Singh Rathore blocked incoming calls... https://t.co/vLANdE21dc pic.twitter.com/m8eHM23fkj
— Madan Mohan Soni (@madanmohansoni) September 24, 2026
Background to the Fundraising Appeal by Jay Singh Rathore
The controversy began on September 21 when an X user identifying as Jay Singh Rathore, who presented himself as a 16-year-old, posted an appeal seeking donations for his 12-year-old sister's urgent eye surgery. He claimed she was at risk of losing her eyesight and was being treated at Shroff Eye Centre. The post included medical documents and payment details. Within about 24 hours, Rathore stated that more than INR 1.5 lakh (approximately INR 1.58 lakh according to one screenshot shared) had been received. He then removed the payment information, saying the family had collected more than needed and asking people to stop sending money.
Hospital Issues Alert Over Documents
Shroff Eye Centre later issued a public warning via Instagram Story. The hospital shared images of the prescription and related documents circulating online, stating that someone had created a fake patient record, prescription and estimate sheet on its letterheads and was seeking help from NGOs and individuals. The hospital urged people to share the alert to prevent others from becoming victims.
Confrontations on X Spaces and Apology
The hospital’s statement led to multiple X Spaces sessions in which donors and other users questioned Rathore. During one session, he became emotional and broke down in tears. He admitted the original premise was false, saying the money was actually needed because his father was unwell and that he had used his sister's name, believing it would attract more support. Participants shared donor UPI details and pressed for immediate refunds. Rathore posted some payment screenshots claiming partial repayments. A bank balance screenshot circulated online appearing to show a drop from about INR 1.58 lakh to INR 1.37 lakh, though the reason for the change could not be independently verified.
Rathore later posted a four-part apology on X. He accepted responsibility, said he had made a mistake, described himself as naive about the consequences, and pledged to return "every last dime" once a temporary 24-hour restriction on his bank account was lifted. An X user who had amplified the original appeal denied any connection after facing criticism. Jay Singh Rathore Crowdfunding Row: X User Cries During Call, Netizens Console Him.
Current Status
As of Thursday afternoon, donors who contributed savings, rent money or other funds continue to seek full refunds. Soni's attempt to meet Rathore in person did not take place after the phones went unanswered and calls were blocked. The matter remains under discussion on X, with users calling for police complaints and full accountability. No formal police action has been widely reported at this stage.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 02:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
