A viral video posted by a farmer in Maharashtra has exposed a widespread international kidney transplant racket, with connections reaching Cambodia. The Chandrapur Police investigation, launched last month following the video’s release, has so far led to eight arrests and implicated doctors and hospitals across multiple states.
Unraveling the Racket
The case began with Roshan Kude, a marginal farmer from Chandrapur, who shared his story in a video detailing how selling a kidney to repay a ₹1 lakh loan resulted in a debt exceeding ₹70 lakh due to exorbitant interest. This prompted police action against local moneylenders, which subsequently uncovered a larger network facilitating the illegal sale of organs.
Two doctors are currently identified as prime accused: Dr. Ravinder Pal Singh of Healthy Human Clinics in Delhi, who has been released on bail but must appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Chandrapur, and Dr. Rajratnam Govindaswamy, managing director of STAR KIMS Hospital in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, who remains at large. Police have raided the Tiruchi hospital as part of their investigation.
According to Superintendent of Police Mummaka Sudharshan, the investigation has revealed a pan-India network involving agents, donors, doctors, and hospitals. Agents Himanshu Bharadwaj and Krishna, both of whom previously sold their own kidneys, are accused of luring vulnerable individuals with promises of money.
Exploitation of Donors
The financial disparity within the racket is stark. While kidney recipients were charged between ₹50 lakh and ₹80 lakh for a transplant, sellers received only ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh. Dr. Ravinder Pal Singh allegedly received approximately ₹10 lakh per transplant, Dr. Rajratnam Govindaswamy charged around ₹20 lakh for treatment and hospital arrangements, and Krishna and Himanshu collected nearly ₹20 lakh each.
Police have identified over eight individuals who sold their kidneys and continue to analyze mobile and technical data to further map the network’s reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the police investigation?
The investigation was initiated following a viral video posted by Roshan Kude, a farmer from Chandrapur, detailing his experience selling a kidney and subsequent debt.
Which states are involved in this racket?
The racket spans multiple states including Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and has international links to Cambodia.
How many people have been arrested so far?
So far, eight people have been arrested, including six moneylenders and two agents who lured victims.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether further arrests will be made and the full extent of the network will be uncovered. Will this case lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of organ transplantation practices across India?
