SIT formed to probe organ trafficking and forgery charges

The Home department has ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of organ trafficking and fabrication of documents in the State.

As per a directive issued by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) K.S. Sudarsan has been appointed as head of the SIT. The decision comes in the wake of Statewide raids on which three cases have been registered, sources said.

Mohammed Najeeb, the alleged kingpin of the racket, his wife, Rasheeda, and two associates have been arrested. The police also seized forged letterheads, including those made in the names of MLAs.

The preliminary probe also indicated that illegal organ transplant surgeries had taken place at major hospitals in Ernakulam. In view of the seriousness of the case, the Home Minister directed that an SIT led by an officer of Superintendent of Police rank be constituted to undertake the investigation.