HYDERABAD: A crackdown on illegal kidney transplants in Sri Lanka has prompted agents involved in the trade to shift operations to Hyderabad, according to police investigating the multi-state kidney racket recently uncovered in the city.
Police revealed that these agents had previously arranged for clients to undergo illegal kidney transplants in Sri Lankan hospitals. However, heightened vigilance by Sri Lankan authorities forced them to look for alternatives closer to home.
“Once the crackdown in Sri Lanka began, these agents turned their attention to financially struggling hospitals in India,” a police official said. “They offered these hospitals significant monetary incentives, using their operation theaters for transplants and even handling post-surgery care.”
Hospitals and Doctors Involved
Rachakonda police have arrested nine individuals so far, including two doctors, Dr. G. Sumanth and Dr. Avinash, for their alleged roles in the racket. Investigators say the two doctors were primarily involved in managing the hospitals rather than directly performing surgeries.
One of the hospitals implicated is Alakananda Hospital in Saroornagar, where Dr. Sumanth served as managing director. Around 20 illegal surgeries are suspected to have been conducted there. The other facility under scrutiny is Janani Hospital in Madannapet, where Dr. Avinash is a partner. Police believe this hospital was the first to engage in the illegal organ trade, though the exact number of surgeries performed there remains unclear.
Agents and Key Figures
The police are currently on the lookout for two agents, Pravan and Laxman, who allegedly collaborated with the doctors to boost hospital revenues through illegal organ transplants. These agents reportedly offered financial returns to the hospitals in exchange for using their facilities for unlawful procedures.
“Once the agents are apprehended, we expect to uncover the full extent of the racket, including whether any patients were sent abroad for surgeries,” an official said.
Authorities are also investigating the financial transactions of Dr. Raja Shekhar from Tamil Nadu and Dr. Sohib from Jammu and Kashmir, who are believed to have conducted the surgeries. Payments made to those assisting the doctors—amounting to ₹30,000 each—are also under scrutiny.
Current Developments
While there were reports on Sunday night of Dr. Raja Shekhar being taken into custody, Saroornagar inspector Siddi Reddy dismissed these claims. The investigation is ongoing, with banking records and other evidence being examined to trace the flow of money and uncover additional details about the racket.
This case has highlighted the dark underbelly of illegal organ trade in India, with Hyderabad emerging as a hub following Sri Lanka’s clampdown.
