In a shocking revelation, reports have surfaced exposing a widespread organ trafficking racket where middlemen have raked in millions at the expense of vulnerable individuals. According to sources, recipients have been forced to shell out no less than Rs 60 lakhs for organs, while donors receive a mere fraction of this amount, ranging from Rs 6 to 8 lakhs. The exorbitant package also includes airfares to Iran and other related expenses, leaving donors with a fraction of the total sum.
The middlemen, however, have reportedly profited handsomely from each organ transfer, pocketing a minimum of Rs 30 lakhs per deal. It has been confirmed that the racket has orchestrated more than twenty organ donations, accumulating nearly Rs 6 crore in profits. Allegedly, individuals named Madhu, Sabith, Sajith, and Pratapan have divided the proceeds among themselves.
Authorities have uncovered information suggesting that numerous similar rackets are operational in the state, prompting further investigation into potential connections between Madhu’s team and other illicit networks. The full extent of their involvement is expected to be revealed upon Madhu’s return from Iran, where he is currently located, and subsequent interrogation.
Most of the victims targeted by these rackets hail from rural areas in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, while recipients are said to primarily originate from Jammu Kashmir and Delhi. Notably, the accused will face charges for illegally transporting donors abroad and facilitating the unlawful extraction of their organs.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has received intelligence indicating the involvement of certain private hospitals in aiding the accused in finding recipients. Suspicion looms over hospitals in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada, with authorities uncovering evidence suggesting their complicity in connecting donors with recipients, bypassing stringent regulations governing organ transplantation.
Further investigation is underway to determine if any Kerala-based hospitals have also played a role in supporting these illicit activities or facilitating the transfer of donors. Police have learned that all donors have returned from abroad following surgery, including Shemeer, who underwent a procedure in Iran in May 2024.
The alarming nature of these revelations underscores the urgent need for authorities to take decisive action. Organ trafficking not only exploits vulnerable individuals, but also poses a grave threat to public health and safety. The authorities must conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable for their egregious actions.
