Nagpur High Court to Hear Bail Plea in Interstate Kidney Trafficking Case
The final hearing on the bail application of Delhi-based doctor Ravinder Pal Singh, a key accused in the alleged interstate kidney trafficking racket, is now scheduled for February 24 before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. This crucial legal proceeding follows a postponement from the original date of February 18, setting the stage for a decisive courtroom confrontation.
Police to Argue Accused Doctor Failed to Cooperate with Investigation
Law enforcement authorities are preparing to strongly oppose the bail plea, arguing that Dr. Ravinder Pal Singh has not provided full cooperation during the investigation. Police sources indicate that Singh, who was granted interim protection from arrest earlier with a directive to assist investigators, appeared before the investigating officer between February 11 and 16. However, he reportedly offered minimal substantive information, frequently responding with "I don't remember" to critical questions about the alleged organ trafficking network.
The prosecution is expected to highlight this alleged non-cooperation during the upcoming hearing, emphasizing that Singh's limited responses have hindered progress in uncovering the full extent of the illegal operation. Investigators believe sustained questioning in custody is essential to trace the financial trail and identify other beneficiaries of the alleged racket.
Case Gains Momentum with THOTA Authorization
The investigation has received significant momentum following the Maharashtra government's approval of action under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994. This development led to the appointment of SIT chief Ishwar Katkade as the authorized officer under the Act, effectively addressing procedural objections previously raised by Singh's defense team regarding the legal framework of the investigation.
Evidence gathered by investigators suggests that illegal kidney transplants were conducted at a private hospital in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. Authorities suspect another doctor, identified as Rajarathinam Govindaswamy, collaborated with Singh in these alleged activities. The police case alleges that Singh traveled from Delhi specifically to perform these surgeries and received approximately ₹35 lakh for his involvement.
Financial Trail and Network Investigation Remain Priorities
Despite the substantial payment allegedly received, Singh has not provided clear details about how the money was distributed or information about the broader network involved in the organ trafficking operation. This lack of disclosure has become a central point in the prosecution's argument for continued detention and custodial interrogation.
Authorities are preparing to formally request custodial interrogation during the upcoming hearing, arguing that only through sustained questioning can they properly uncover the financial mechanisms of the alleged racket and identify all participants. The case represents one of the most significant organ trafficking investigations in recent years, with implications for medical ethics and regulatory enforcement across state boundaries.
The February 24 hearing before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court will determine whether Dr. Ravinder Pal Singh remains in custody or is granted bail while the investigation continues. The outcome could significantly impact the pace and direction of the ongoing probe into the interstate kidney trafficking allegations.
