Organ trafficking probe intensifies: Three more arrested as international links surface

KOCHI: In a significant breakthrough, the investigation into an illegal organ trafficking syndicate has intensified with the arrest of three more individuals, including the wife of the suspected mastermind. The case, which initially surfaced in Kollam, is now suspected to have international connections, prompting authorities to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the wider network.

Following the initial arrests of agents Sreeja and Sudheer, and a donor named Vinod in Kollam, the Kunnathunad police have now apprehended Rasheeda (37), the wife of the alleged kingpin, Muhammad Najib Kallatra. While Rasheeda is in custody, Najib, a native of Kasaragod, remains at large. Authorities believe he has fled to Delhi, and a lookout notice has been issued to prevent him from leaving the country.

Other individuals previously arrested in connection with the racket include Sunny Varghese (56), his wife Sini Varghese (50), and Sanoj (32), who allegedly facilitated the logistical side of the operation.

The investigation revealed that the syndicate operated under the guise of Kallatra Medical Tourism Private Limited, based in Pallikkara. The group used local DTP and computer centers to manufacture high-quality forged documents. Among those arrested are the owners of ‘Sun Communications’ and an employee of ‘Sign HD Digital Studio,’ who allegedly provided the technical support needed to create the fraudulent paperwork.

The syndicate’s primary tactic involved posing organ donors as close relatives of the recipients to bypass strict legal hurdles. To achieve this, the group engaged in large-scale forgery, producing:

• Fake Identification: Fraudulent Aadhaar cards and voter IDs.
• Official Credentials: Forged letterheads, seals, and signatures of MPs, MLAs, doctors, and senior police officers.
• Verification Documents: Fake recommendation letters and verification certificates.

Crucially, the gang fabricated "Altruism Certificates"—documents usually issued by officers of SP or DYSP rank to certify that an organ donation is voluntary and involves no financial transaction. The discovery of these forged certificates served as a turning point in the investigation.

Under the leadership of Rural District Police Chief K.S. Sudarshan and the supervision of the Perumbavoor ASP, the investigation is now focusing on how many illegal transplants were successfully carried out using these forged documents.

"Given the gravity and the suspected international links of this racket, a specialised team has been constituted," police officials stated. The probe has been expanded to include several hospitals, intermediaries, and potential links in other states.