Telangana CID nabs two more in connection with inter-State organ trafficking case

The Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two accused in an inter-State human organ trafficking racket that operated under the guise of organ donation and transplantation.

The arrests were made in Chennai on May 26, by a special CID team from Sangareddy, in connection with a case originally registered at Alakananda Multi Speciality Hospital in Kothapet, Rangareddy district, said Director-General CID Shikha Goel.

The arrested accused have been identified as 56-year-old Shankaran alias Sai Shankaran and 36-year-old N. Ramya, both residents of Chennai. Acting on a complaint from the Deputy District Medical and Health Officer, a case had earlier been registered at Saroornagar Police Station. The case was subsequently handed over to the CID on April 24.

Following their arrest, the duo was brought to Hyderabad on transit remand and presented before the magistrate on May 29. A passport and two mobile phones were seized from their possession.

“Investigations revealed that the accused targeted vulnerable individuals in Tamil Nadu, luring them with fake job offers. The victims were then trafficked to Hyderabad, where illegal kidney transplants were carried out with the help of a network of accomplices, including individuals identified as Pradeep (from Bangalore), Pavan, and others,” explained the DG, adding that for each illegal transplant, the accused reportedly earned ₹10 lakh, out of which ₹4 to ₹5 lakh was handed to the donor.

Thirteen individuals had previously been arrested in the case. With the latest arrests, the focus now shifts to apprehending seven remaining suspects, including Pavan, Poornachander, and their associates, who are currently absconding.

Published - May 29, 2025 07:44 pm IST