Doctor couple, middleman detained as probe reveals multi-city network exploiting vulnerable donors
Kanpur: In a shocking crackdown, a major illegal kidney and liver transplant racket has been unearthed in Kanpur following a joint operation by the crime branch and the health department. Authorities have detained a doctor couple along with a middleman, exposing a well-organized network that allegedly exploited vulnerable individuals and sold organs for up to ₹80 lakh.
Private Hospital in Keshavpuram at Centre of Racket
According to preliminary investigations, the illegal operations were being run from a private hospital in Keshavpuram. Officials suspect that the doctor couple orchestrated the entire racket — from identifying and luring donors to arranging transplant surgeries.
The network is believed to span multiple cities, with several accomplices involved in facilitating illegal procedures and logistics.
Donors Lured With Money, Recipients Charged Heavily
Investigations revealed that financially vulnerable youth were promised payments ranging from ₹8 lakh to ₹10 lakh in exchange for donating their organs. However, recipients were charged exorbitant amounts, sometimes as high as ₹80 lakh per transplant.
To bypass legal scrutiny, forged documents were allegedly created to falsely show familial relationships between donors and recipients — a requirement under organ transplant regulations.
Outside Surgeons, Multiple Hospitals Under Scanner
Authorities found that specialized doctors from outside Kanpur were brought in to perform transplant surgeries. After the procedures, both donors and recipients were shifted to different hospitals to avoid suspicion.
Two additional hospitals in the Kalyanpur area have now come under investigation for their suspected involvement in providing post-operative care linked to the racket.
Raids Conducted at Three Hospitals
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, joint teams of police, vigilance officials, and health department authorities carried out simultaneous raids at three hospitals. During the operation, investigators uncovered substantial evidence pointing to illegal transplant activities.
The detained individuals include the alleged mastermind doctor couple and a middleman who played a key role in coordinating donors and recipients.
MBA Student’s Ordeal Exposes Racket
At the centre of the case is an MBA student from Bihar, who was allegedly lured into the scheme through a Telegram group. He was promised ₹10 lakh for donating his kidney but reportedly received only ₹9.5 lakh, despite the organ being sold at a much higher price.
The payment dispute, along with his deteriorating health condition, ultimately brought the racket to light. The victim is currently under medical supervision and remains under police protection.
Authorities Scrutinising Records, More Arrests Likely
Officials are now closely examining patient records, surgical details, and other documents from the hospitals under investigation. The total number of illegal transplants conducted by the network is yet to be determined.
Speaking on the development, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ramit Rastogi confirmed that credible inputs led to the raids and subsequent findings of illegal kidney transplants. He added that investigations and further raids are ongoing.
Notices Issued, Licenses May Be Cancelled
Authorities have issued notices to three hospitals, seeking detailed explanations regarding transplant patients and procedures conducted at their facilities. Strict action, including possible cancellation of licenses, will be taken based on their responses.
The case has once again raised serious concerns over illegal organ trade and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, prompting calls for stricter monitoring and enforcement in the healthcare sector.
