The investigation into an illegal kidney transplant racket targeting debt-ridden farmers has uncovered a sophisticated pan-India network involving agents, donors and specialised medical professionals, Chandrapur police said.
Illegal Transplants Linked to Tamil Nadu Hospital
Investigators found that multiple illegal kidney transplants were allegedly carried out at a private hospital in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, where patients were charged between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 80 lakh per transplant, according to police.
Network Spread Across States
Chandrapur Superintendent of Police Sudarshan Mummaka said analysis of mobile records and technical data revealed a complex web of coordination among agents, donors and doctors across several states. “This is not a localised crime but a sophisticated, nationwide operation,” he said.
Police Teams Sent to Delhi and Tamil Nadu
Based on evidence, police teams have been dispatched to Delhi and Tamil Nadu, where doctors were found to be allegedly involved in the racket. Authorities are also examining bank accounts and digital footprints to identify other hospitals that may have acted as safe houses for illegal surgeries.
Case Originated from Farmer’s Complaint
The racket came to light after Chandrapur farmer Roshan Kude lodged a complaint against local moneylenders, alleging that a Rs 1 lakh loan ballooned to Rs 74 lakh due to exorbitant interest. In desperation, he contacted a “Kidney Donor Community” page on social media and was sent to Cambodia to sell his kidney.
Fake Doctor Acted as Key Agent
During the probe, police traced the network to a fake doctor named Krishna from Solapur, who allegedly acted as an agent. Police said he himself was a former victim of the racket and facilitated kidney removal of 10–12 people in Cambodia in exchange for commission.
Doctors Named, Exploitation Revealed
According to police, one accused donor admitted his kidney was surgically removed by Dr Ravinder Pal Singh from New Delhi and another doctor from a private hospital in Trichy. Investigators said Dr Singh allegedly received around Rs 10 lakh per case, while actual donors were paid only Rs 5–8 lakh.
Arrests Made, Probe Ongoing
So far, six moneylenders have been arrested and a case registered under sections 18 and 19 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. While Dr Ravinder Pal Singh was granted interim bail by a Delhi court and directed to appear before the Chandrapur court on January 2, police said efforts are on to arrest other doctors and expand the probe into the nationwide racket.
