Hyderabad: A disturbing illegal kidney trafficking ring has been exposed, with some agents gaining access to crucial Jeevandan information to orchestrate the illegal transplant operations.
These agents, through their connections within Jeevandan, obtained personal details of both patients in need of organs and potential donors before making contact with them. By directly interacting with both parties, the agents facilitated kidney deals, often involving corrupt doctors.
In addition to Jeevandan, these agents also maintain contact with hospitals where patients seek kidney consultations. “Agents like Pavan and Laxman would share locations on WhatsApp with doctors, donors, and recipients, detailing where surgeries would be conducted. They even booked flight tickets for the doctors performing these illegal surgeries,” Rachakonda police told TOI.
Authorities are investigating if such illicit transplants were carried out in other countries like Sri Lanka. At Alakananda Hospital, police found that CCTV footage had not been maintained during the time of the alleged surgeries, raising further suspicions. In addition to the arrests of doctors G Sumanth and Avinash, police are now tracking down two other doctors involved in the procedures.
Financial transactions related to the transplants were conducted solely in cash, and the agents communicated largely via WhatsApp. Police are hopeful that once agents Pavan and Laxman are apprehended, they will provide further insights into the full scope of the racket.
The illegal activities came to light after Rangareddy district authorities received a tip-off and conducted surprise checks at Alakananda Hospital. They found two doctors and two kidney recipients there, prompting a police complaint by health department officials. The hospital has since been sealed by the authorities.
