Kanpur (UP), April 3 An investigation into an illegal kidney transplant racket in Kanpur has revealed a shocking network involving unqualified individuals, private hospitals, and a suspected multi-state and possibly international network, police said on Friday.
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said that four key accused, initially believed to be qualified doctors, were actually untrained practitioners, including a technician, physiotherapist, pharmacist, and a dentist. The accused – Rohit Tiwari alias Rahul, Amit alias Anurag, Afzal, and Vaibhav – are currently at large.
Investigators have so far confirmed at least six illegal transplants, including five at Ahuja Hospital and one linked to MedLife facility, although officials suspect the actual number could be significantly higher.
In a disturbing revelation, a woman who underwent an illegal transplant about a year ago later died. Police said she was moved to a higher medical facility under the guise of gallbladder treatment to conceal the procedure.
The investigation has also brought two super-specialty hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) under scrutiny for allegedly receiving patients with fabricated medical records. According to officials, transplant cases were often disguised as gallbladder treatments before referral.
The police have identified a Kanpur-based middleman, Sahil, as a crucial link who allegedly connected donors and recipients by offering kidney transplants at nearly half the market cost.
The officials said the racket appeared to be highly organised, with separate teams handling donors, recipients, logistics, and surgeries. Medical personnel were reportedly travelling from other cities, performing transplants within hours, and leaving immediately.
The investigation has revealed links spanning multiple states, including Delhi, Mumbai, West Bengal, and Haryana, with indications that foreign nationals may also have availed the illegal procedures.
So far, eight people have been arrested in the case, including two operation theatre technicians who were earlier arrested for assisting in surgeries and arranging equipment.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S M Qasim Abidi said that teams are conducting raids to trace the absconding accused and are examining the role of several hospitals where similar procedures may have been carried out.
The Uttar Pradesh government and the health department have sought a detailed report on the matter, and a comprehensive dossier is being prepared, the officials added.