Two Caught Selling Blood Outside Hospital
Jabalpur: A disturbing case of illegal blood trading has surfaced at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, where two men were caught red-handed selling blood to patients for ₹4,000–₹5,000 per unit. Both accused have been taken into police custody.
Complaints Lead to Undercover Operation
The incident came to light after a social organisation that provides free blood to patients received several complaints about touts demanding money outside the hospital. Acting on these tip-offs, volunteers laid a trap to verify the claims.
Volunteers Pose as Buyers to Catch Accused
Two women volunteers posed as relatives of patients and approached the accused—identified as Annu and Johnson, both residents of Jabalpur. The touts allegedly demanded ₹5,000 for one unit of blood and agreed to meet at a coffee shop. As soon as they arrived to finalise the deal, security personnel and volunteers surrounded them and apprehended both men.
Large Network Behind the Racket
The arrested duo are believed to be part of a larger gang of over 50 members involved in unlawfully collecting and selling blood. These touts have reportedly been active around the hospital for a long time, exploiting desperate patients unable to secure blood through official channels.
Hospital Security Confirms Takedown
Chief Security Officer Vikas Naidu told Bhaskar that the accused attempted to flee but were quickly stopped by guards. He confirmed that the operation was conducted with full support from the Medical Security Department.
Victims Mostly Poor and Vulnerable Patients
Rahul Tiwari, from the social organisation that exposed the racket, said the gang frequently targeted relatives of thalassemia patients and others in urgent need. Many patients travelling from remote areas were approached by brokers who offered them blood at high prices, taking advantage of their vulnerability.
Administration Promises Strict Action
Calling the incident a serious crime, Dean Dr. Navneet Saxena stated that strict action will be taken against all involved. He added that surveillance around the blood bank has been increased and that any suspicious activity will be closely monitored. The administration reiterated that no illegal activity will be tolerated on campus.
Police Begin Probe into Wider Network
City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ashish Jain confirmed that the accused were handed over to the Garha police. Initial investigations suggest they had direct contacts inside blood banks. Police are now examining how many patients were cheated and tracing the source of the illegally sold blood.
