Kolkata kidney trafficking racket busted, 5 arrested; Hospital staff involved

A kidney trafficking racket operating for five years was exposed in Kolkata, leading to the arrest of five individuals, including three women working at a private hospital. The operation was allegedly run from Ashoknagar, where financially distressed individuals were lured under the pretext of easy loans and later coerced into selling their kidneys. Police conducted a midnight raid in Dakshineswar, arresting the key suspects involved in the illegal organ trade.

The first arrest was of Vikas Ghosh, also known as Sheetal, a loan shark accused of trapping victims under heavy debt before directing them to organ trade. Following his interrogation, police arrested his associate, Gaur Sardar, identified as the primary linkman facilitating the trafficking network. Investigations led to three female hospital workers—Mousumi Sardar, Piyali De, and a third unidentified suspect—who allegedly played a role in document forgery, organ removal procedures, and coordinating transplants at a private hospital.

According to police sources, Mousumi Sardar is the wife of Gaur Sardar and was employed as an ayah (caretaker) at the hospital. Piyali De is a resident of Barasat, while Gurupad Jana, also known as Amit, hails from East Midnapore. The identity of the third woman remains undisclosed. Investigators believe the arrested individuals were responsible for preparing false medical documents, arranging surgeries, and facilitating the transplantation of illegally obtained kidneys.

The police are now examining whether hospital authorities were aware of or involved in the operations. Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific hospital where the transplants took place. The police stated that an organized network was operating behind the scenes, managing the entire process from targeting victims to organ extraction and transplantation.

Officials are now tracking financial transactions linked to the suspects and investigating whether more individuals, including medical professionals, were involved. The five arrested individuals are being interrogated in phases. Police sources indicated that further arrests may follow as investigations continue. Authorities are also working to identify and assist those who fell victim to the racket.