Bengal’s kidney racket busted: ₹25 lakh per kidney, 360% interest loans trapped victims

A kidney trafficking racket has been uncovered in Ashoknagar, West Bengal, where at least ten people were coerced into selling their organs after being trapped in high-interest debt. Police arrested Bikas Ghosh, alias Sheetal, who operated as an agent, offering loans at a staggering 360% interest rate. When borrowers failed to repay, they were pressured into selling their kidneys. Authorities suspect the number of victims could be higher.

Investigations revealed that kidney donors were promised between ₹5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh, while their organs were sold for ₹25 lakh. Sheetal and other agents received substantial commissions. Police have identified a middleman in Uttar Pradesh linked to the operation, running a wider organ trafficking network in Ashoknagar and nearby areas. Authorities are probing connections between the racket and individuals facilitating illegal transplants.

Legal kidney transplants require administrative approval, including medical screenings and strict financial restrictions. Despite these regulations, the gang bypassed procedures and continued operations for years. Police believe the racket expanded rapidly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities have requested a list of kidney donors from North 24 Parganas to verify potential victims and track irregularities.

Barasat district’s Superintendent of Police, Pratiksha Jharkharia, stated, "We are identifying key middlemen and those involved in securing government approvals. Victims should come forward and report their experiences." Investigators are also looking into possible involvement of officials or medical staff in approving unlawful transplants. Further arrests are expected as the probe continues.

Police are urging affected individuals to provide information to assist in dismantling the network. Authorities are monitoring private hospitals and clinics that may have performed illegal transplants. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the full extent of the operation and those responsible.