By | Kalyani Mandle | PR Desk
Viral Video Triggers Major Police Probe
Chandrapur: A viral video posted by a marginal farmer from Chandrapur district has led Maharashtra Police to uncover an international kidney transplant racket spanning several Indian States and extending to Cambodia. The investigation began after the farmer alleged exploitation by an illegal moneylender, prompting police to dig deeper into the financial and medical links behind the case.
Farmer Alleges Kidney Sale to Repay Loan
In the video that went viral last month, Roshan Kude, a young marginal farmer, claimed he had sold one of his kidneys to repay a loan of ₹1 lakh taken from a moneylender. However, he alleged that the loan amount later ballooned to over ₹70 lakh due to exorbitant interest. When police took the moneylenders into custody, the probe revealed a far larger and organised organ trafficking network.
Doctors Named as Prime Accused
Police have identified two doctors as prime accused in the case. Dr. Ravinder Pal Singh of Healthy Human Clinics in Delhi was arrested but later granted bail and has been directed to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Chandrapur on Friday, January 2, 2026. Another accused, Dr. Rajratnam Govindaswamy, Managing Director of STAR KIMS Hospital in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, is currently absconding. Police have raided his hospital and launched a manhunt.
Victims Lured Across India and Abroad
Investigations revealed that poor and marginalised youths were lured into selling their kidneys for small sums. Some victims were taken to Delhi, Tiruchi, and even Cambodia, where the organs were illegally harvested. Police have so far identified at least eight individuals who sold their kidneys, including Roshan Kude, who travelled to Cambodia along with five others.
Agents Turned Exploiters
Two key agents, identified as Himanshu Bharadwaj and Krishna alias Ramakrishna Sunchu, initially sold their own kidneys before becoming recruiters in the racket. After their surgeries, they allegedly began luring other vulnerable youths and farmers into the illegal trade, police said.
Eight Arrested, Network Still Under Scanner
So far, eight people have been arrested, including six illegal moneylenders and two agents. Police believe the network involves multiple agents, doctors, donors, and hospitals across the country. Technical and mobile data analysis has confirmed a pan-India network with international links.
Only Fraction of Money Reached Donors
According to police, kidney recipients were charged between ₹50 lakh and ₹80 lakh per transplant. However, donors received only 10% of that amount, typically between ₹5 lakh and ₹8 lakh. The remaining money was allegedly distributed among doctors, agents, and facilitators, with doctors charging up to ₹20 lakh for medical arrangements.
Investigation Ongoing
Maharashtra Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely as further links are uncovered. Authorities are coordinating with agencies across States and abroad to dismantle the entire organ trafficking network.
