Family doctor among seven accused in suspected kidney transplant fraud; police probe possible interstate organ racket links
In a shocking case of alleged medical fraud, police in Ulhasnagar have booked a doctor and six others for allegedly cheating a woman of more than Rs 31 lakh by falsely promising to arrange a kidney transplant for her critically ill husband.
According to reports, the accused doctor was reportedly the family physician of the complainant and is alleged to have taken advantage of the family’s vulnerable situation after the patient’s health deteriorated following a previous transplant procedure.
The woman had earlier donated one of her kidneys to her husband after he suffered kidney failure. However, despite the transplant, the patient reportedly developed severe complications and infection, leaving him in critical condition once again.
Doctor allegedly introduced family to fraud network
Police said that instead of extending medical support, the doctor allegedly assured the family that he could help arrange another kidney donor and facilitate a fresh transplant procedure.
As part of the process, the doctor allegedly introduced the complainant to several individuals, including three co-accused, who were purportedly involved in the fraud.
Between July 2, 2025 and March 7, 2026, the accused allegedly collected Rs 31.67 lakh from the family through cash payments and online transfers, claiming the money was required to arrange a donor and conduct the surgery.
However, investigators said that neither was any donor arranged nor was any transplant procedure performed.
Vitthalwadi police register cheating case
After realising that she had allegedly been duped, the woman approached the Vitthalwadi Police and filed a complaint against the accused.
Based on her statement, police registered a cheating case against seven persons, including the doctor, and launched a detailed investigation into the matter.
Officials suspect that the case could be linked to a larger illegal kidney transplant racket and are examining whether more families may have been similarly cheated.
Probe expands to financial transactions and interstate links
Investigators are currently scrutinising financial records, online transactions and communication details of the accused. Police are also probing possible interstate connections, with preliminary leads reportedly extending to Odisha.
Authorities believe the investigation may uncover a wider organised network involved in illegal organ trade-related fraud.
Doctor denies wrongdoing
Speaking to media outlets, the accused doctor reportedly claimed that the complainant was his patient and that he had merely introduced her to another individual who had promised assistance in arranging a kidney donor.
The doctor further alleged that when the promised transplant did not materialise despite the payments made by the family, he himself advised the complainant to approach the police.
He maintained that he has been named as an accused only because he facilitated the introduction between the parties involved.
