A major breakthrough has been made in the investigation of the illegal kidney sale involving a farmer from Chandrapur, with authorities uncovering a direct operational connection to China. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has revealed that a Chinese surgeon played a central role in the international organ trafficking network.
Chinese Surgeon at the Heart of the Racket
Fresh disclosures from the probe indicate that a surgeon known as Dr. Chiang conducted transplant procedures in Cambodia and supplied the harvested organs to clients in his home country. This critical information emerged from the interrogation of two key accused individuals.
According to police sources, the accused—Ramakrishna Sunchu of Solapur (who also used aliases 'Dr. Krishna' and Mallesh) and Himanshu Bhardwaj from Mohali, Punjab—have told investigators that Dr. Chiang, based in Cambodia, performed the surgeries. They stated that all kidneys procured were systematically routed to Chinese recipients.
The Farmer's Kidney and the 12-Hour Timeline
The investigation revolves around Roshan Kule, a marginal farmer from Minthur village in Chandrapur's Nagbhid taluka. Kule was allegedly lured into selling his kidney. Shockingly, sources reveal that his organ was transplanted to a patient in China within a mere 12 hours of its removal.
Investigators believe Dr. Chiang was instrumental in recruiting intermediaries, enticing Sunchu and Bhardwaj with significant financial rewards to facilitate the supply of donors. Police are also pursuing a third accused from West Bengal, who is currently absconding.
Legal Proceedings and Expanded Inquiry
A district court has remanded both Sunchu and Bhardwaj in police custody until December 29 to allow for further interrogation and evidence gathering. Officials state that the duo's statements have opened new lines of inquiry into complex cross-border organ trafficking routes and the associated financial transactions.
In a related development, Manish Ghatbandhe, a moneylender accused of exploiting the farmer Roshan Kule, was produced before the Brahmapuri court. He has been sent to judicial custody until January 2. Five others connected to this money lending racket are already in judicial custody.
Accused's Motive: Selling His Own Kidney for Love
Details have emerged about the personal history of accused Himanshu Bhardwaj. He once ran a tour and travel business. His life took a dramatic turn when he fell in love and began bearing all his partner's expenses. When she expressed a desire to travel to the United States, Bhardwaj decided to fulfil her wish at any cost—even selling his own kidney.
This decision marked his entry into the kidney trade. Over time, he helped shape an online network of donors through social media platforms. It was ultimately Dr. Chiang who introduced him to the lucrative but illegal business of organ trafficking, pulling him deeper into the racket.
The SIT is now expanding the scope of its inquiry to map the entire international network involved in this gruesome trade, highlighting a serious and organized cross-border crime.
