Delhi Police Bust Organ Trafficking Network Spanning 5 States

Seven people, including three Bangladesh nationals, have been arrested following raids in five states. The targeted states were Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, where the illegal operation was in progress.

The police uncovered multiple cellphones, laptops, SIM cards, cash, and incriminating documents during the raids. According to the police, the gang persuaded underprivileged Bangladesh nationals to sell their kidneys for 4-5 lakhs, and at times, lured them with job offers.

Forged documents were then used to falsely indicate a relationship between the donors and the recipients of the organs. Consequently, these kidneys were sold for prices ranging between Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.

The arrested individuals include Dr. Vijaya Kumari, a consultant surgeon accused of conducting 15 to 16 illegal surgeries at a Noida hospital. The issue came to light after the police received a tip-off about suspicious activities involving a group of Bangladeshi nationals.

Subsequently, a raid was conducted in Delhi’s Jasola Vihar, resulting in the arrest of Russell, Rokon, Sumon Miyan, and Ratesh Pal. The investigation revealed that Dr. Kumari received approximately Rs 2 lakh for each transplant.

A kidney transplant is a complex medical procedure generally performed on patients with end-stage kidney disease. Close relatives can donate their kidneys to a patient, while kidney donation by non-related donors necessitates clearance from an authorisation committee.

Due to the scarcity of donors compared to the number of patients in need of a transplant, many individuals resort to illegal means of obtaining a kidney, which is exploited by kidney transplant rackets.