Organ trade; Police reach coimbatore to locate victims

NEDUMBASSERY: The investigation team in Coimbatore is looking into an international organ trafficking case. Police arrived in Coimbatore on Saturday but did not find anyone.

Transplanting organs for payment is a crime in India. While organs can be donated legally, there are several hurdles. The victims have also switched off their phones to avoid involvement in the case. Police are investigating in Coimbatore based on the statements of Sabit Nasar (30) and Sajith Shyam Raj (43), who were arrested in Nedumbassery on the night of the 18th.

It has been reported that many people were brought to Iran from Coimbatore for organ trade. Sabit Nasar initially testified that the victims were North Indians but more information became available after the arrest of Sajith. The money received on behalf of the victims was distributed through Sajith's account. From this account, the police obtained information about payments to the victims. More than 20 people, including a Malayali, have been smuggled to Iran for organ trade.

Victims are found by exploiting economic hardships. The group extorted up to Rs 60 lakhs from those in need of organs, while the victims were given a maximum of Rs 7 lakhs. The rest of the money was divided among the team after deducting hospital expenses. It is clear that crores of rupees have passed through Sajith's account. There are indications that a woman in the health sector is in custody in connection with the case, but the police are denying it.

As it is a serious case, the police are investigating it very secretly. The main challenge for the police is that no one is coming forward with evidence, as the victims can also be accused.