A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Maharashtra has made a startling discovery in its probe into the illegal sale of a farmer's kidney in Chandrapur. The investigation has now uncovered a direct operational link to China, revealing an international organ trafficking network.
Chinese Surgeon at the Heart of the Racket
Fresh disclosures from the probe indicate that a Chinese surgeon, identified as Dr. Chiang, conducted transplant procedures in Cambodia. He then supplied the harvested organs to clients in his home country. These revelations are based on the statements of two key accused individuals during police interrogation.
The findings have prompted officials to significantly expand the scope of their inquiry across international borders. Police sources confirmed that the accused, Ramakrishna Sunchu of Solapur (who also posed as 'Dr. Krishna' and 'Mallesh') and Himanshu Bhardwaj from Mohali, Punjab, told interrogators that Dr. Chiang personally performed the surgeries. They stated he ensured all procured kidneys were routed to Chinese recipients.
The Farmer's Kidney and a 12-Hour Journey to China
In a specific case highlighting the network's efficiency, the kidney of Roshan Kule, a marginal farmer from Minthur village, was allegedly transplanted to a patient in China. This happened within a mere 12 hours of the organ's removal. Kule was lured into selling his organ, a tragic example of how vulnerable individuals are targeted.
Investigators now believe Dr. Chiang played a pivotal role beyond surgery. He is suspected of actively recruiting intermediaries, allegedly enticing Sunchu and Bhardwaj with significant financial rewards to supply donors. Police are currently pursuing a third accused in the chain from West Bengal, who remains at large.
Love and Desperation: The Story of an Accused
The probe has also unearthed the human stories behind the crime. Himanshu Bhardwaj once ran a tour and travel business. His life took a drastic turn when he fell in love. He began taking care of all his partner's expenses, and when she expressed a desire to travel to the United States, Himanshu decided to fulfil her dream—even if it meant selling his own kidney. That fateful decision is what pulled him into the illicit kidney trade, setting him on the path to becoming an accused in this international racket.
The SIT continues its investigation, piecing together the complex web of this transnational organ trafficking operation that exploited Indian donors for recipients abroad.
