Kidney transplantation scam in Andhra: Police form four special teams to nab members of ‘All India Kidney Donors’

The victim ran a general store but after he failed to make a profit and ended up in debt, he had to borrow ₹8 lakh.

Published Jul 12, 2024 | 3:08 PMUpdated Jul 12, 2024 | 3:08 PM

Kidney transplantation scam in Andhra

The Nagarampalem Police of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, 9 July, booked members of the All India Kidney Donors group and formed four special teams to apprehend the suspects, who cheated a man in a kidney transplantation scam.

Guntur district SP Tushar Dudi, speaking to South First, said, “The case is under investigation. The victim, Madhubabu, was in debt and approached the group when he saw an opportunity to donate a kidney for a large sum of money. He was then cheated with a lesser amount. Four special teams have been formed. The case is registered under 184/2024 U/Sec 370 (2), 417, 465, 466, 468, 471, 120 (b) r/w 34 IPC & Sec 18, 19, 20 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act-1994.”

A viral video of Madhubabu speaking with the media has been widely shared, with netizens urging the Andhra Pradesh police to punish the culprits.

 

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha posted on X, “The Vijayawada kidney racket issue will be taken seriously. It surfaced with the victim Madhubabu’s complaint. I have spoken to the Guntur district SP and Krishna district police to apprehend the suspects and ensure that the victims get justice.”

Speaking to South First, Nagarampalem police said, “We have booked members who are part of the All India Kidney Donors, which is an ID on Facebook and the members who interacted with the victim Madhubabu are part of it. The case registered on these according to the victim and we will look into the hospital’s involvement in further investigation.”

Also Read: Two organ trafficking complaints received, 3 arrests made: Kerala CM

Victim Madhubabu’s story 

Madhubabu, a resident of Garikapadu village in Krosur Mandal of Andhra Pradesh, used to live with his wife and children but has now moved to his sister’s house.

To make a living, he ran a general store where he also sold vegetables but after he failed to make a profit, he ended up in debt and borrowing ₹8 lakh.

One day, while scrolling through his Facebook account, he saw an option to donate a kidney through the All India Kidney Donors group and decided to respond, hoping to pay off his debts.

He posted, “I am O+ve, age 31 with family permission and my wife is B+ve age 30 please contact.”

The same day, he received a call from a person who introduced himself and asked Madhubabu to come to Vijayawada, where a middleman was introduced to him.

The relatives of the kidney patient met Madhubabu, and all relevant tests were conducted. The victim alleged that he had agreed to donate his left kidney but the hospital ended up taking his right kidney instead for transplantation.

Speaking to the media with documents, Madhubabu said, “I have all the details with me along with documents. I was in debt, so I accepted it to pay off the debts and live with my family.”

The spokesperson for Vijaya Super Speciality Hospital in a statement to media said that kidney transplantation was according to the law and they will follow due diligence to respond to any allegations made in public by the victim.

It is mentioned in the FIR that he was given 59,500 online and another 50,000 in cash. He requested the police to get him justice.

(Edited by Neena)

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