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The racket came to light after an MBA student, who had sold his kidney, approached the police, claiming that he had been cheated in the deal
Preliminary investigations suggest that more than 12 illegal kidney transplants may have been carried out under this network, which authorities believe spans Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Nepal. Representational image
Uttar Pradesh Police have busted an interstate organ trafficking network in Kanpur that allegedly conducted illegal kidney transplants at private hospitals. Investigations revealed that the traffickers used encrypted messaging apps like Telegram to lure donors and coordinate the operations, with the network reportedly extending its reach to Nepal.
The racket came to light late Monday night after an MBA student, who had sold his kidneyapproached the police, claiming that he had been cheated in the deal. According to officials, the donor’s kidney was purchased for Rs 10 lakh but sold to a patient for Rs 60 lakh. A payment dispute of Rs 50,000 prompted the donor to alert authorities.
Acting on this tip-off, police conducted simultaneous raids at Med Life Hospital, Ahuja Hospital, and Priya Hospital in Kalyanpur. During the operation, both the kidney donor and recipient were found admitted at Med Life Hospital. When officials demanded documentation for the transplant, hospital authorities reportedly failed to provide any valid legal approvals.
A senior police officer involved in the investigation said, “The use of Telegram allowed the accused to remain anonymous and coordinate illegal transplants across cities. This case demonstrates how technology is being exploited for organ trafficking.”
Police have detained at least 10 people so far, including Ahuja Hospital owner Dr Preeti Ahuja, her husband Dr Surjeet, and a middleman, Shivam Agarwal alias Shivam Kada. Preliminary investigations suggest that more than 12 illegal kidney transplants may have been carried out under this network, which authorities believe spans Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Nepal.
Donor Reveals Telegram Recruitment
Ayush, the donor, originally from Samastipur in Bihar and currently residing in Meerut, told police that he was contacted via Telegram by Shivam Agarwal. He was persuaded to come to Kanpur and finalise the kidney sale at an apartment in Awas Vikas-3, Kalyanpur.
“I was promised Rs 10 lakh for my kidney, but they paid me only Rs 9.5 lakh. When I raised the issue, they refused to give me the remaining amount. That’s when I called the police,” Ayush said.
The transplant was reportedly conducted on Sunday at Ahuja Hospital, where the kidney was transplanted into Parul Tomar, a patient from Muzaffarnagar. Officials noted that the patient’s family paid Rs 60 lakh for the procedure, highlighting the massive profit margins in the racket.
Hospitals Tried to Evade Detection
Authorities allege that after the donor contacted the police, Ayush was shifted to Med Life Hospital and Parul to Priya Hospital to avoid detection. However, police tracked both and confirmed their locations during the raids. Ayush’s health reportedly deteriorated after the procedure, and he was admitted to the government-run Halat Hospital.
A police officer said, “The accused tried to mislead investigators by moving the donor and recipient between hospitals, but our team was already monitoring the case closely.”
Health Department Action
The district health authorities have intervened following the raids. Additional Chief Medical Officer (ACMO) Dr Ramit Rastogi said, “We have issued notices to Med Life, Ahuja, and Priya Hospitals, asking them to provide all relevant documents regarding the transplants. If their responses are unsatisfactory, strict action, including licence cancellation, will follow.”
Officials added that around 10 questions have been raised with the hospitals, and the replies will determine further action.
Network Under Further Probe
Police said the case likely represents a larger syndicate involving hospital staff, agents, and facilitators across multiple cities. Investigators are analysing financial records, hospital data, and digital communications to identify other donors, beneficiaries, and cross-border links.
A senior police official added, “The use of Telegram and other encrypted apps shows a high level of planning. We are committed to dismantling this network and ensuring accountability for all involved.”
April 01, 2026, 02:13 IST
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